SC puppy lemon law violation?

  • Thread starter Thread starter azrael4213
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azrael4213

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I purchased a puppy on the 6th of this month and upon agreement with the buyer, took the puppy for a wellness check yesterday, the 23rd, because that's when the seller told me he was due for his next set of shots (which was incorrect). My vet determined the puppy to be unfit for purchase because of a severe under bite. He also had a case of Giardia which I am currently treating. When I contacted the seller, they refused my request for a full or even partial refund of my purchase price. They told me I caused the defect and hung up on me and would not answer when I called back. What course of action should I take?
If I take the matter to court, will I be required to give the puppy back? My family and I are attached to him already.
 
Well, how old is the puppy? If it was under 8 weeks when you purchased it that is illegal. (I am going by Florida Laws, you need check your state laws). The puppy should have also come with a wellness certificate upon purchase. If you did not sign any kind of contract and the puppy was sold over 8 weeks old with a certificate of health then you are stuck.

The underbite, if that severe, you should have been able to see it yourself. The Giardia I don't know anything about. You should ask your vet if the puppy could have gotten this between the time you bought him and the time you took him for his wellness check. Which is about 3 weeks.

First and foremost, you should always take a new puppy to your vet within the first 72 hours. I do believe if you had taken him sooner the breeder (BYB!!) may have reconsider refunding part of your money.

This is a live and learn situation. I do hope you plan to keep the puppy despite his physical defect. If the ignorant breeders told you that 'you caused the defect', it was just a way to get you off the phone.

Check your state laws. Check with your vet. Go from there.
 
Small claims court, be willing to give the dog back for a refund. You couldn't have caused a under-bite. Next time check the puppy out completely, look at teeth, in the ears, mouth. Under the tail to see that there is no poop stuck there, everywhere.Go to the vet right away even if the shots aren't due. Hope that you get your money back.
 
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