Q: Can a breeder prevent an owner from actually obtaining the dog?
I paid a breeder the full agreed upon price but the breeder wants to keep the puppies for a few additional weeks for its development. Since then the mother dog was struck by a vehicle and is no longer in nursing condition. This obviously made us call to question the care quality of the animals. The puppies being at 6 weeks old, what right does the breeder have to stop us from having the puppy we paid for?
edit: to clarify this is not a professional breeder, just some people with puppies.
A:
Without a written contract specifying everyone’s rights, it’s hard to say what can and cannot be done. Legally, in Colorado, puppies are not supposed to be sold until they are at least 8 weeks old. If the “breeder” gave you a date on which to pick up the puppy and then rescinded, you might have a cause of action to sue her for your money back or the puppy.
If this woman is not a licensed breeder, but she regularly sells puppies, she might be violating several local and state laws - which would raise concerns for the health of the dogs and puppies.
I always caution against people buying from pet stores, or breeders of any level. Shelters are generally much more straightforward and safe options.
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