Puppy Got Sick?

[sjaarv]

We recently had puppies and listed them for sale on line. We had a gentleman purchase two puppies. Now, one of them is sick and he had to take it to the vet. He is requesting that we pay for his vet bills since he bought the puppy from us. We are NOT professional breeders. We did not purposely breed our dog. When we noticed she was in heat, we immedialty seperated the dogs. However, they made their way back together and she ended up pregnant. The dogs are not AKC registered or anything. Buyer knew we were not professional breeders. All other puppies that we sold have been checked on and none of them had any problems. They are all healthy and happy. He is now threatening to take us to court to make us pay all of his vet bills. Can he do this? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!

 

[Duranie]

Unless the guy can prove the puppy was sick when he bought it, I do not see why you should pay for his vet bills. Did the puppy have any shots before he bougth it? If he took the puppy out in public before shots and it caught parvo or something, that probably is not your fault.

I guess it depends on what the puppy got sick of, and if the puppy was sick when you had it.

how long did he have the puppy for, before it came down ill?

So yes, he can take you to court and sue you, but it does not mean he will win. He is going to have to prove the puppy was sick when he bought it.

 

[sjaarv]

Puppy

When he picked up the puppie it had it's first set of shots. He picked it up on weds and on thurs he took it in for it's second set of shots and for a check up. They did not notice anything wrong with it at that time. Then on sunday he called and said the puppy was vomiting and there was blood in the stool. He took it in and was told the puppy had a parasite. Now he wants us to pay for the vet bills.

 

[Duranie]

At this time I wouldnt pay him anything. Let him take you to court and let a vet decide.

You might want to google puppy sale laws in your state, to see what the guidelines say.

 

[calalily]

Duranie is correct; Google your state laws so you'll know your rights and his. How much did you sell the puppy for and how much is he saying the vet bill is? Did he offer "proof" in the way of an itemized vet bill? Get your vet records for the puppies that they were healthy when you sold them. Check out his vet to make sure it is a legitimate place of business not some made up bill he did on the computer as a scam. You may even try getting letters from the other buyers that the puppies are healthy so if you go to court you have your vet record and the statements from the other buyers. Some judges in small claims won't take letters but better to have them than not. Keep us updated on what happens.