Puppy sales law

[jenababy]

What is the name of your state? Maine My Beagle had a litter of beagle puppies that I had sold to different people. Females were 250.00 and males were 200.00. I had told everyone that they can send a non-refundable deposit to hold thiers. I also told everyone that the puppies were purebred. The Mom did not have papers, But the dad did. There for the puppies would not. I have one lady that has emailed me and told me that the female puppy she got from me would not stop crying and that they wanted thier money back. I told her that I was unable to give her her money back as all sales are final. She called me and insisted that I give her all her money back and she was yelling at me over the phone so I hung up. She later emailed me and told me that she called her lawyer and that she was going to sue me for the money she paid for the puppy and for all bills associated with it. She also said that she was going to call the local newspaper and put an ad in it asking people that got puppies from me to come forward and she also was going to put in that ad that I was a fake and a thief. Can she do that? Can she sue or put that in the paper like that? I told her all sales were final. I am not a breeder and she insists that her lawyer said I have to refund the money to her. Can you give me some advice on this? Thanks JT

 

[Warped]

I'm not a lawyer!

IMHO, anyone who breeds dogs, accidentally or intentionally, should be prepared to accept any puppy back unconditionally. If you were even halfway responsible you would realize that the woman in question has absolutely no idea of how to raise or treat animals and would do whatever is necessary to get the puppy out of that situation. Give the woman her money back, re-home the puppy and then use the proceeds to get your dog spayed. You have no business breeding dogs.

 

[Kasabian]

Totally agree. It would be in everyone's best interests to simply offer a refund and re-house the puppy elsewhere. Regardless of the fact that from a financial point of view you have nothing or very little to lose, it would be morally negligent of you to allow the distressed animal to remain in such an unstable situation where it will be unwanted, uncared for, and possibly even endangered.

 

[djohnson]

I agree that you should take the puppy back. I however don't agree that you should give all the money back. Depending on how long she has had it and if the shots and stuff have been kept up to date. Older dogs are harder to sell, and often worth less money. I would offer to take it back and try to resell for her. You shouldn't be out just because she isn't happy. You held up your end of the deal.

To legally answer your question she can take an ad or do whatever she wishes, however unless she can prove what she says if true she can be sued for slander/liable. I would let her know that also. Obviously the other buyers are happy, so let her contact them. what does she hope to gain from that. I agree the puppy should have a good home, but when doing this for a living, you shouldn't be out either.