Puppy 'Lemon Laws' Gaining Ground - YorkieTalk.com Forums

livingdustmops · 11-16-2007, 11:57 AM

Puppy 'Lemon Laws' Gaining Ground
By Ben Jones,
USA Today
Posted: 2007-11-16 13:48:46
Filed Under: Law News, Nation News
(Nov. 16) -- Soft fur and big eyes can be hard to resist. But taking home a puppy that's sick or genetically defective can result in sky-high vet bills or a dog that can't be kept.

A new group of states is considering joining the 17 that have puppy lemon laws, which give consumers recourse if their new pet has problems.
New York, Florida and Pennsylvania are among the states that have such laws. Three more - Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois - have bills pending before committees. The Ohio bill is at committee review and being revised. The other two await committee action.

A proposed law died in the Indiana Legislature this year, but its author, state Rep. Trent Van Haaften said he will introduce narrower legislation in 2008. He said the law should allow consumers "to put themselves back into the position they were before they were sold the defective product."

"You shouldn't have to shell out $2,000 two days after you get a dog," said Amber Hodgson, a Madison, Wis., dog owner who said she did that for "JP," an $800 Yorkshire terrier.

Hodgson's dog recovered after receiving antibiotics. Hodgson said her vet thought the dog had a bacterial problem.

"I asked the vet, 'Is there any chance the dog could have gotten this sick in the past two days?' " she said. "They said it was highly, highly, highly unlikely."

JP is now healthy, and Hodgson, a legislative aide for a state lawmaker, works to help her boss pass legislation to help other pet owners.

Laws vary from state to state but basically allow buyers to get a new dog, reimbursement for their vet bills or their money back from the seller.

Some state dog lemon laws date back to the 1980s and 1990s - New York's dates back to 1988.
Recent reports of animal abuse at so-called puppy mills, and stories of pet owners spending hundreds on dogs they later discover are sick, have prompted additional lawmakers to introduce legislation.

Most state laws go beyond lemon provisions and include measures to regulate dog breeders. Some laws apply only to dogs while others also apply to cats.

Mike Winikoff of the animal rights group Last Chance for Animals said there have been fewer lemon laws passed in recent years because animal rights groups pushed for laws that regulate breeders and protect dogs.

Eilene Ribbens Rohde, executive director of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, said her state's proposed legislation doesn't address animal cruelty and neglect issues. She said lemon laws might protect consumers, but not dogs.

"Typically, the animals end up being victims once again," Rohde said. " If the dog goes back to the breeder, a knock over the head with a hammer will solve the problem."

Hank Greenwood, vice president of the American Dog Breeders Association, said most responsible breeders have contracts to replace a dog if a genetic defect surfaces. If not, pet buyers should demand one, he said.

"We actually believe that if we can educate the buyers of the dogs, then basically these lemon laws are a mute point," he said.

Wisconsin state Sen. Jeff Plale, who employs Hodgson, authored Wisconsin's "Dog Purchaser Protection Act," which includes language on licensing dog breeders.

"I think it's a little bit more on people's radar screen as No. 1, a humane issue and No. 2, a consumer issue," he said.

Jones reports for The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis.

By Ben Jones,
USA Today
Posted: 2007-11-16 13:48:46
Filed Under: Law News, Nation News
(Nov. 16) -- Soft fur and big eyes can be hard to resist. But taking home a puppy that's sick or genetically defective can result in sky-high vet bills or a dog that can't be kept.

A new group of states is considering joining the 17 that have puppy lemon laws, which give consumers recourse if their new pet has problems.
New York, Florida and Pennsylvania are among the states that have such laws. Three more - Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois - have bills pending before committees. The Ohio bill is at committee review and being revised. The other two await committee action.

A proposed law died in the Indiana Legislature this year, but its author, state Rep. Trent Van Haaften said he will introduce narrower legislation in 2008. He said the law should allow consumers "to put themselves back into the position they were before they were sold the defective product."

"You shouldn't have to shell out $2,000 two days after you get a dog," said Amber Hodgson, a Madison, Wis., dog owner who said she did that for "JP," an $800 Yorkshire terrier.

Hodgson's dog recovered after receiving antibiotics. Hodgson said her vet thought the dog had a bacterial problem.

"I asked the vet, 'Is there any chance the dog could have gotten this sick in the past two days?' " she said. "They said it was highly, highly, highly unlikely."

JP is now healthy, and Hodgson, a legislative aide for a state lawmaker, works to help her boss pass legislation to help other pet owners.

Laws vary from state to state but basically allow buyers to get a new dog, reimbursement for their vet bills or their money back from the seller.

Some state dog lemon laws date back to the 1980s and 1990s - New York's dates back to 1988.
Recent reports of animal abuse at so-called puppy mills, and stories of pet owners spending hundreds on dogs they later discover are sick, have prompted additional lawmakers to introduce legislation.

Most state laws go beyond lemon provisions and include measures to regulate dog breeders. Some laws apply only to dogs while others also apply to cats.

Mike Winikoff of the animal rights group Last Chance for Animals said there have been fewer lemon laws passed in recent years because animal rights groups pushed for laws that regulate breeders and protect dogs.

Eilene Ribbens Rohde, executive director of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, said her state's proposed legislation doesn't address animal cruelty and neglect issues. She said lemon laws might protect consumers, but not dogs.

"Typically, the animals end up being victims once again," Rohde said. " If the dog goes back to the breeder, a knock over the head with a hammer will solve the problem."

Hank Greenwood, vice president of the American Dog Breeders Association, said most responsible breeders have contracts to replace a dog if a genetic defect surfaces. If not, pet buyers should demand one, he said.

"We actually believe that if we can educate the buyers of the dogs, then basically these lemon laws are a mute point," he said.

Wisconsin state Sen. Jeff Plale, who employs Hodgson, authored Wisconsin's "Dog Purchaser Protection Act," which includes language on licensing dog breeders.

"I think it's a little bit more on people's radar screen as No. 1, a humane issue and No. 2, a consumer issue," he said.

Jones reports for The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis.

charly · 11-16-2007, 12:12 PM

Thanks for sharing thats really information that needs to be known. Amber
hodgson being a yorkie owner and a legislative aide for a state lawmaker is an advantage to all yorkie lovers and owners. There are too many people who are unfortunately taking advantage of puppy lovers. These puppy lemon laws should be widely prevalent. Her input as a yorkie lover will be a tremedous positive.

livingdustmops · 11-17-2007, 08:23 AM

I am bumping this up as anyone considering buying a puppy should be well aware of their state laws and what recourse they have from buying from a petstore or bad breeder. Folks nothing will change if we don't educate ourselves and have a voice with the laws. These are living creatures who deserve more than how they are being treated in many cases. If you want to get rid of puppy mills and cruel breeders than you need to be aware of these things.

yorkiesmiles · 11-17-2007, 09:54 AM

Thank you for posting this. Every state needs to get on board with strong legislation and get it passed!!

Yorkiekids · 11-17-2007, 10:17 AM

That's great news. It's about time and I hope more states join these legislative measures.

mizzwanned · 11-17-2007, 11:28 AM

That's great!

sunset yorkies · 11-17-2007, 12:15 PM

How do we know when they have been passed?

livingdustmops · 11-17-2007, 03:49 PM

I would check online with your states website or call your state rep's office.

11-16-2007, 11:57 AM	#1
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	Puppy 'Lemon Laws' Gaining Ground Puppy 'Lemon Laws' Gaining Ground By Ben Jones, USA Today Posted: 2007-11-16 13:48:46 Filed Under: Law News, Nation News (Nov. 16) -- Soft fur and big eyes can be hard to resist. But taking home a puppy that's sick or genetically defective can result in sky-high vet bills or a dog that can't be kept. A new group of states is considering joining the 17 that have puppy lemon laws, which give consumers recourse if their new pet has problems. New York, Florida and Pennsylvania are among the states that have such laws. Three more - Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois - have bills pending before committees. The Ohio bill is at committee review and being revised. The other two await committee action. A proposed law died in the Indiana Legislature this year, but its author, state Rep. Trent Van Haaften said he will introduce narrower legislation in 2008. He said the law should allow consumers "to put themselves back into the position they were before they were sold the defective product." "You shouldn't have to shell out $2,000 two days after you get a dog," said Amber Hodgson, a Madison, Wis., dog owner who said she did that for "JP," an $800 Yorkshire terrier. Hodgson's dog recovered after receiving antibiotics. Hodgson said her vet thought the dog had a bacterial problem. "I asked the vet, 'Is there any chance the dog could have gotten this sick in the past two days?' " she said. "They said it was highly, highly, highly unlikely." JP is now healthy, and Hodgson, a legislative aide for a state lawmaker, works to help her boss pass legislation to help other pet owners. Laws vary from state to state but basically allow buyers to get a new dog, reimbursement for their vet bills or their money back from the seller. Some state dog lemon laws date back to the 1980s and 1990s - New York's dates back to 1988. Recent reports of animal abuse at so-called puppy mills, and stories of pet owners spending hundreds on dogs they later discover are sick, have prompted additional lawmakers to introduce legislation. Most state laws go beyond lemon provisions and include measures to regulate dog breeders. Some laws apply only to dogs while others also apply to cats. Mike Winikoff of the animal rights group Last Chance for Animals said there have been fewer lemon laws passed in recent years because animal rights groups pushed for laws that regulate breeders and protect dogs. Eilene Ribbens Rohde, executive director of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, said her state's proposed legislation doesn't address animal cruelty and neglect issues. She said lemon laws might protect consumers, but not dogs. "Typically, the animals end up being victims once again," Rohde said. " If the dog goes back to the breeder, a knock over the head with a hammer will solve the problem." Hank Greenwood, vice president of the American Dog Breeders Association, said most responsible breeders have contracts to replace a dog if a genetic defect surfaces. If not, pet buyers should demand one, he said. "We actually believe that if we can educate the buyers of the dogs, then basically these lemon laws are a mute point," he said. Wisconsin state Sen. Jeff Plale, who employs Hodgson, authored Wisconsin's "Dog Purchaser Protection Act," which includes language on licensing dog breeders. "I think it's a little bit more on people's radar screen as No. 1, a humane issue and No. 2, a consumer issue," he said. Jones reports for The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis. By Ben Jones, USA Today Posted: 2007-11-16 13:48:46 Filed Under: Law News, Nation News (Nov. 16) -- Soft fur and big eyes can be hard to resist. But taking home a puppy that's sick or genetically defective can result in sky-high vet bills or a dog that can't be kept. A new group of states is considering joining the 17 that have puppy lemon laws, which give consumers recourse if their new pet has problems. New York, Florida and Pennsylvania are among the states that have such laws. Three more - Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois - have bills pending before committees. The Ohio bill is at committee review and being revised. The other two await committee action. A proposed law died in the Indiana Legislature this year, but its author, state Rep. Trent Van Haaften said he will introduce narrower legislation in 2008. He said the law should allow consumers "to put themselves back into the position they were before they were sold the defective product." "You shouldn't have to shell out $2,000 two days after you get a dog," said Amber Hodgson, a Madison, Wis., dog owner who said she did that for "JP," an $800 Yorkshire terrier. Hodgson's dog recovered after receiving antibiotics. Hodgson said her vet thought the dog had a bacterial problem. "I asked the vet, 'Is there any chance the dog could have gotten this sick in the past two days?' " she said. "They said it was highly, highly, highly unlikely." JP is now healthy, and Hodgson, a legislative aide for a state lawmaker, works to help her boss pass legislation to help other pet owners. Laws vary from state to state but basically allow buyers to get a new dog, reimbursement for their vet bills or their money back from the seller. Some state dog lemon laws date back to the 1980s and 1990s - New York's dates back to 1988. Recent reports of animal abuse at so-called puppy mills, and stories of pet owners spending hundreds on dogs they later discover are sick, have prompted additional lawmakers to introduce legislation. Most state laws go beyond lemon provisions and include measures to regulate dog breeders. Some laws apply only to dogs while others also apply to cats. Mike Winikoff of the animal rights group Last Chance for Animals said there have been fewer lemon laws passed in recent years because animal rights groups pushed for laws that regulate breeders and protect dogs. Eilene Ribbens Rohde, executive director of the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project, said her state's proposed legislation doesn't address animal cruelty and neglect issues. She said lemon laws might protect consumers, but not dogs. "Typically, the animals end up being victims once again," Rohde said. " If the dog goes back to the breeder, a knock over the head with a hammer will solve the problem." Hank Greenwood, vice president of the American Dog Breeders Association, said most responsible breeders have contracts to replace a dog if a genetic defect surfaces. If not, pet buyers should demand one, he said. "We actually believe that if we can educate the buyers of the dogs, then basically these lemon laws are a mute point," he said. Wisconsin state Sen. Jeff Plale, who employs Hodgson, authored Wisconsin's "Dog Purchaser Protection Act," which includes language on licensing dog breeders. "I think it's a little bit more on people's radar screen as No. 1, a humane issue and No. 2, a consumer issue," he said. Jones reports for The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

11-17-2007, 08:23 AM	#3
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	I am bumping this up as anyone considering buying a puppy should be well aware of their state laws and what recourse they have from buying from a petstore or bad breeder. Folks nothing will change if we don't educate ourselves and have a voice with the laws. These are living creatures who deserve more than how they are being treated in many cases. If you want to get rid of puppy mills and cruel breeders than you need to be aware of these things. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!

11-17-2007, 09:54 AM	#4
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 9,493	Thank you for posting this. Every state needs to get on board with strong legislation and get it passed!! __________________ yorkiesmiles Loved by Bubba & Roxy *Holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come*

11-17-2007, 10:17 AM	#5
Yorkiekids Piper & Sebastian Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: florida Posts: 14,495	That's great news. It's about time and I hope more states join these legislative measures. __________________ Susan, Piper ,Harley & Suiki

11-17-2007, 11:28 AM	#6
mizzwanned Donating YT 11K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: new york Posts: 14,007 Blog Entries: 2	That's great! __________________ Primrose, Teddy..RIP, Livie..RIP, And can never forget my duo Sophie and London, Run in Peace <3

11-16-2007, 12:12 PM	#2
charly Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: So Ca Posts: 2,376	Thanks for sharing thats really information that needs to be known. Amber hodgson being a yorkie owner and a legislative aide for a state lawmaker is an advantage to all yorkie lovers and owners. There are too many people who are unfortunately taking advantage of puppy lovers. These puppy lemon laws should be widely prevalent. Her input as a yorkie lover will be a tremedous positive.

11-17-2007, 12:15 PM	#7
sunset yorkies YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 413	How do we know when they have been passed? __________________ Faith Sunset Yorkies

11-17-2007, 03:49 PM	#8
livingdustmops Princess Poop A Lot Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,728	I would check online with your states website or call your state rep's office. __________________ Cindy & The Rescued Gang Puppies Are Not Products!