Theft (of property – dogs, and livestock) is theft, regardless of the reason. The charge may rise from misdemeanor to felony due to the number of animals or their value (per the case their LAWYER will make as to valuable breeding or work/hunting animals).
Yes, you can and will be charged as a co-conspirator since you know (and have published ONLINE) about the THEFT – in advance of the event, and you can also be charged for RECEIVING STOLEN GOODS, if you house or take in any of the dogs.Your cousin MUST STAY within the law. Contact TV stations and look for lawyers who practice PET LAW. You or the cousin & BF must be able to provide information and PROOF of abuse, if nobody in Animal Control or law enforcement will respond. (That is a news story in and of itself, IMO) but BE SURE you contact everybody…… up the chain. The SQUEAKY WHEEL – gets the oil, so start SQUEAKING from the roof tops!