Exotic Pet Lemon Law

[Evilme5229]

What is the name of your state? Florida

I purchased two baby ball pythons over the weekend. One didnt appear to have anything wrong with him and the other I noticed that at first glance everything was fine until I got him home. I was told by the reptile store that he would be alright in a couple of days, but I didn't believe him. Sure enough, the next day I took him to my local vet doctor and he said he was sick. One I have spent already $145 and the treatments are not over. The other one I found has a parsite and needs antibotics as well. I have already took off time to try to correct these sick animals, but I'm wondering my recourse. The owner will not refund my money and is not going to reimburse me for the medical bills that have already started. He doesn't want to work something out for the medical bills (example, a bigger tank when ready, lighting, etc.). I'm wondering if I try to save my snakes if I could possibly sue for the medical bills. I don't know where to turn or what to do. Any advice would be great.

 

[racer72]

There is no lemon law for any animals, especially exotic animals that were never intended by God to be pets. The time to have had the snakes checked out by a vet would have been prior to your purchase, not after. Unless the seller gave you a specific health guarantee, you have no case. Google "caveat emptor".

 

[Evilme5229]

There is no lemon law for any animals, especially exotic animals that were never intended by God to be pets. The time to have had the snakes checked out by a vet would have been prior to your purchase, not after. Unless the seller gave you a specific health guarantee, you have no case. Google "caveat emptor".

Florida actually has a pet lemon law that is for dogs and cats. I don't think anything is suppose to be pets. If you look up Pet Lemon Law in Florida there is documentation supporting there is protection for cats and dogs. Now as for exotics, I'm not sure. But I do know that if a customer buys a car from an individual and that individual says nothing is wrong with the car and the transmission goes in a week, theres recourse for the buyer. As for an animal that was passed off as healthly, I believe the recourse should be the same.

 

[mommyof4]

Florida actually has a pet lemon law that is for dogs and cats. I don't think anything is suppose to be pets. If you look up Pet Lemon Law in Florida there is documentation supporting there is protection for cats and dogs. Now as for exotics, I'm not sure. But I do know that if a customer buys a car from an individual and that individual says nothing is wrong with the car and the transmission goes in a week, theres recourse for the buyer. As for an animal that was passed off as healthly, I believe the recourse should be the same.

That statute covers dogs and cats, only.

http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0828/SEC29.HTM&Title=->2007->Ch0828->Section 29#0828.29

 

[jackmcmanus21]

There should be a lemon law on all pets, it shouldn't be narrowed down to cats and dogs. Unfortunately, it sounds like you don't have much of a case. At least you know for next time to have animals checked out before you buy.

 

[mommyof4]

OP, while I'm thinking about it, do you have the required permit to own these snakes?

 

[Zigner]

But I do know that if a customer buys a car from an individual and that individual says nothing is wrong with the car and the transmission goes in a week, theres recourse for the buyer.

Stick with the animal stuff.
In the situation you post here, there would be NO recourse against the seller in an as-is sale.

 

[Evilme5229]

OP, while I'm thinking about it, do you have the required permit to own these snakes?

You don't need a permit in Florida. For more of an exotic animal like an alligator yes.

Stick with the animal stuff.
In the situation you post here, there would be NO recourse against the seller in an as-is sale.

I just don't see how someone can get away with selling a sick animal. Especially in a short amount of time. The same day you purchase and animal and its showing signs of sickness. The next day you have documents proving that the animal is sick. First off, its neglect of animal and second its animal cruelity. I still think theres a way to bring this person to justice even if I may or may not get my money back totally. I think theres still some recourse in court; I'm going to try if it needs to go that far. Otherwise, the better business bureau as well as the Florida wildlife fish and game will be notified.

 

[Evilme5229]

Plus this is from an actual business not some individual person. If it was from an individual out of a paper that doesn't have a license or store front I would say then yes its an as-is sale.

 

[spallanzani]

Did you research the store and find out where the snakes were bred and examine them thoroughly before you bought them? Ball pythons are small and non-aggressive so they are very popular, but there are thousands of disreputable breeders out there. Some pet stores also don't bother to keep the temp and humidity high enough, and ball pythons will get chronic respiratory infections from being too cold or dry.

You may not be able to sue, but have you tried complaining to the BBB and/or the local news? Baby ball pythons are usually kept in cages together at pet stores, so if yours has parasites, they probably all do.

 

[Evilme5229]

Did you research the store and find out where the snakes were bred and examine them thoroughly before you bought them? Ball pythons are small and non-aggressive so they are very popular, but there are thousands of disreputable breeders out there. Some pet stores also don't bother to keep the temp and humidity high enough, and ball pythons will get chronic respiratory infections from being too cold or dry.

You may not be able to sue, but have you tried complaining to the BBB and/or the local news? Baby ball pythons are usually kept in cages together at pet stores, so if yours has parasites, they probably all do.

I dont think that theres a way for me to find out where he attains his snakes, but I did talk to the Florida Wildlife Fish & Game and the officer there says that I have a case since I have gotten the vets involved really early. Theres no doubt that this could be traced directly to the store. He also has first hand knowledge of the store owner because he has arrested him before for not having licenses to sell upper class exotics like alligators. One of the ball pythons I did buy has the respiratory infection that your indicating diagnosed by my vet. I'm definately going to be contacting the BBB and see what I can do to stop this store for selling sick animals.