Dog adoption from rescue group

[jmmh]

I live in New York STate and signed a contract when adopting a dog from a small animal rescue group (all volunteer). There are many things in the contract that say what I can and can't do with the dog, but there is nothing stated that says what will happen if I don't follow the contract. For example, the contract states that I am not allowed to give the dog to anyone else...but it doesn't say what happens if I do!
OF note, there is no 'trial' period noted in the contract in case the adoption does not work out for any reason.

How binding is this contract, and what can they do to me, legally, if I 'break' the contract?

Also, is there anyone official regulating the activities of these all-volunteer animal rescue organizations? Who would I file a report with regarding what I consider to be mismanagement/misrepresentation of these animals? One example: they posted online a picture and description of the dog as purebred labrador retriever, when, clearly, he is not purebred. They also claimed he was wormed, but he came with hookworms.

One last question: can I get a restraining order against them contacting me via email/phone/in person following many very harrassing/threatening emails when I notified them within 48 hours that I had changed my mind and wanted to return the dog. I was so upset by the accusations they were making and the lack of responsibility they took for the dog coming with worms, I have kept the dog temporarily instead of returning him to these women. These women are truly acting like vigilantes and have self-appointed themselves as the law in dog rescue world.

Thanks for any info on this type of contract!

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I haven't seen the contract. I don't know where you got the dog from. It's impossible to say what can be done but understand this - an enforceable agreement gives each party rights, whether or not you think you can blow them off. You will not get a restraining order if you've breached the contract and the other party has rights to contact you with regard to the breach.

With regard to the worms, perhaps you could obtain compensation from them. But remember whom you are dealing with - a volunteer organization. I'm sure that many wouldn't look kindly upon suing them nor does there seem to be a necessity to do so. My guess is you're better off just working this out and letting it go. Perhaps there are more important things to worry about.