Auburndale, FL asked in Contracts and Animal / Dog Law for Florida

Q: Hello, I have a question another contracts

A couple years ago I adopted a dog from a breeder. She came highly recommended and seemed to be great but we received news this morning that she has been arrested for neglect and forging medical documents. The problem is she had us sign a contract before we took our dog and it basically outlined that we agreed to give them a good environment, agreed not to breed the dog, but also detailed that if we decided to get rid of her, something happened to us, or if she decided conditions were bad she would get the dog. Given that she has been arrested for neglect and all her animals seized would she be able to enforce this contract and take the dog if anything were to happen to us?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Michael  Mayoral
Michael Mayoral
Answered
  • Coral Gables, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: She would have to sue you to enforce the contract, which would cost her a significant amount of money, and it sounds like she has her own legal problems to take care of. In other words, I wouldn't be very worried about that occurring. It is difficult to say anything about the enforceability of the contract without reviewing it line-by-line, however, she would have to go through a lengthy process to enforce the contract. She won't be able to just show up to your door with the contract and the Sheriff and seize the dog.

Terrence H Thorgaard and Charles M. Baron agree with this answer

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
Answered
  • Boca Raton, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Whether she can enforce the contract or not has no bearing of her arrest history or neglect the animals. If you do not want her to take the dog, you may find other reasons to stop her. I would advise you to find a lawyer in town to go over the possible grounds.

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