Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 1758768)

Florida law requires a health certificate for puppies sold within the state:

828.29. Dogs and cats transported or offered for sale; health requirements; consumer guarantee

(1) (b) For each dog offered for sale within the state, the tests, vaccines, and anthelmintics required by this section must be administered by or under the direction of a veterinarian, licensed by the state and accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture, who issues the official certificate of veterinary inspection. The tests, vaccines, and anthelmintics must be administered before the dog is offered for sale in the state, unless the licensed, accredited veterinarian certifies on the official certificate of veterinary inspection that to inoculate or deworm the dog is not in the best medical interest of the dog, in which case the vaccine or anthelmintic may not be administered to that particular dog. Each dog must receive vaccines and anthelmintics against the following diseases and internal parasites:

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 1759122)

I was just trying to answer the OP's question about how to report a breeder. The Humane Society is one option.

Originally Posted by PrestigeousYT (Post 1759051)

........It sounds if this breeder is trying to work with you. I do think she should have had the vet check done before the pup being sold but as far as being neglectful in the puppy care it doesn't sound like she was other than not getting the actual vet check before leaving.

Originally Posted by YorkieRose (Post 1757548)

The breeder and vet tech did nothing illegal, but certainly acted unethical. You should have gotten a vet check record even if the breeder gave the shots as many do..the murmur should have been listed...but slight murmurs tend to diappear..but you should have been given the option to decline the puppy.

I would certainly contact the vet who emplys the so called "vet tech" and tell them exactly what was said..and the fact she gave the vaccines...the vet will most likely take action if nothing else it cuts his bottom line of profits.
Good Luck

Originally Posted by kosoma (Post 1758241)

Regarding the health certificate, unless Florida law is different than Oklahoma (which I realize is possible) the health certificate is not required for the sale of a puppy. It is required to ship the puppy. I often make vet trips for my parents, who breed Yorkies, and if we are not shipping the puppy we don't pay extra for the health certificate. All the certificate says is that they are fit to travel and not have a contagious disease. We DO, however, get the vet check and a letter on vet stationary stating the results.

Regarding the heart murmur itself, I don't have a lot of experience with it....only one puppy ever had one, we kept him and he is now 9 months old and it has disappeared. It is my understanding that they do often go away as the pup grows up.

I will be thinking of you; I hope this is resolved well and soon. As some have pointed out, although it sounds bad now, it may never actually be that much of a problem.

Originally Posted by Jody Renfroe (Post 1758171)

I'm so sorry Capone is facing this. I know you're already in love with him. I hope you can at least get some help with his vet bills.

Originally Posted by GinosMommy (Post 1758253)

Christina, I hope Capone's health is okay besides the murmur. I also hope that goes away. Please keep us informed on the situation with the breeder, I wish you the best of luck!'
HUGS,
Stacy

Originally Posted by Lee B (Post 1758388)

I'm so sorry to hear that Capone is not perfectly healthy for you (and for HIM!). That really sucks ...

As your vet probably told you, in FL it's illegal to sell puppies less than 8 weeks old, and they have to have a health certificate (they're good for 30 days from the date of issuance). Shots can be given at home by the breeder. Tail docking and dew claw removal can ALSO be done by the breeder if s/he so chooses, although they're usually done by the professionals.

However, I'm not sure if the same rules apply in the case of a pet owner who happens to breed their dogs, versus the "professional" who (at least tries to) make their living from breeding dogs. It becomes a "grey zone" once they start charging for the pups.

I hope she will at least refund part of your payment. My understanding is that they (the breeders) are not legally responsible for vet bills incurred by "defective" pups; they can be compelled to return the fee, but then you must return the pup. You cannot have both the money and the goods. What they do with it then .... :confused: :(

But the damage is usually done the minute you set eyes on the pup. He's yours, and you'll do what you can to make him well. It's like a human child - no guarantees. I just hope that the "breeder" checks her parent stock to ensure that they're not passing on a genetic problem to their offspring.

I hope everything goes will for Capone.

Originally Posted by CollegeCutieUSF (Post 1759385)

From what my vet told me, and the other 2 breeders that happened to be there for an appointment, it's required by florida law to get the health certificate to protect both the seller and the buyer from the lemon law. One of the breeders said that a lot of people don't get it, because it costs $100 per puppy, so to cut costs and make a quicker profit, they skip some steps.........

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 1758768)

Florida law requires a health certificate for puppies sold within the state:

828.29. Dogs and cats transported or offered for sale; health requirements; consumer guarantee

(1) (b) For each dog offered for sale within the state, the tests, vaccines, and anthelmintics required by this section must be administered by or under the direction of a veterinarian, licensed by the state and accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture, who issues the official certificate of veterinary inspection. The tests, vaccines, and anthelmintics must be administered before the dog is offered for sale in the state, unless the licensed, accredited veterinarian certifies on the official certificate of veterinary inspection that to inoculate or deworm the dog is not in the best medical interest of the dog, in which case the vaccine or anthelmintic may not be administered to that particular dog. Each dog must receive vaccines and anthelmintics against the following diseases and internal parasites:

Originally Posted by kosoma (Post 1759401)

$100!!!:eek: I like the idea of requiring a health certificate, but that price is ridiculous. They cost $15-30 here in Oklahoma, it varies by vet. Its the Buyers who end up paying for this.

Sorry, I know this is off-topic, I was just astounded at that price.

Originally Posted by CollegeCutieUSF (Post 1759400)

Yes, my vet was the one who pointed out that what the breeder did was illegal, by her not getting the health certificate. She already offered us a refund on the puppy if we wanted to give him back. But when we told her that wasn't an option & asked for a partial refund, she said she didn't have the money. How can she offer to give me $650, but then not have money when we ask for a partial refund. That made me a little upset....she'll take the puppy back, refund me money, and then go sell him to someone else all over again?

I'm not asking for her help for the medical bills, as I know it's unreasonable. His heart murmur may not even cause him trouble for some times now. But I'm more angry at the fact that she did things the cheap way and told me he was healthy when he head a heart condition. I'm not going to pay the full price for something that is broken. If the puppy was a toy, you don't pay full price if it's missing a peace. (this is just an analgy...I am not in any way comparing the dog to a toy. lol.)

Thanks for your well wishes & the info. :)

Originally Posted by mypreciouspups (Post 1759156)

I only had one litter here, but I knew I had to have it done.. thanks for posting this.. so really in florida she did do something wrong.. and that alone means christina has a case...

Originally Posted by kosoma (Post 1759418)

Grrr.....I'm so sorry you are having this experience. We will all be hoping that Capone outgrows that murmur, which remember is not unlikely! :)

Originally Posted by kosoma (Post 1758966)

From the statute quoted, it appears that this applies to all puppies sold, regardless of who is selling (hobby breeder, kennel, individual). Do I have this right?

If so, that would be a good protection for Buyers....Surely any breeder or vet tech should know this????? Although I guess I can see how an individual might not be aware of it....still, the vet tech should have known.

Originally Posted by mypreciouspups (Post 1759110)

Again I am so sorry about capone.. I would go for the vet bills to be paid.. this was her responsibility to have this puppy checked by a vet prior to him leaving.. I thought in florida it was against the law to sell a puppy without one.. in fact there is always a piece in the paper in the pets for sale section.. I had one litter here, took them to the vet and had each one checked and she did the healthy cert.. but I would not stop at just keeping him, if you tell her you called a lawyer and are taking her to small claims court.. and you plan on keeping the baby.. that she should not get away with this and play with emotions of people.. and to me this is what is happening right now..

In fact who could she sell the baby too if you took him back.. no one if she was honest and said what was wrong with him.. you would win.. fight for capone on this one..

I feel so bad for you your bf and both mr. biggs and capone.. hugs to you all and keep us informed of how things are going..

Originally Posted by CollegeCutieUSF (Post 1759402)

Thanks for that info! DO you have the link to the site you got it from? I'd like to print it and show the breeder, so she knows I'm not trying to scam her.

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 1759490)

It's in the Florida statutes (laws):

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/s..._01_29.htm#s29

Claiming not to have the money for his vet bills is no excuse. By law she must reimburse you for up to his full price in vet bills. Florida has excellent puppy lemon laws. Here's an overview:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/lemon_fl.html

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 1759490)

It's in the Florida statutes (laws):

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/s..._01_29.htm#s29

Claiming not to have the money for his vet bills is no excuse. By law she must reimburse you for up to his full price in vet bills. Florida has excellent puppy lemon laws. Here's an overview:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/lemon_fl.html

Originally Posted by Ladymom (Post 1759637)

I forgot to add that by breaking this law, your breeder can be found guilty of a first class misdemeanor.

Originally Posted by qraven (Post 1759470)

be careful of taking her to small claims court. A friend of mine did that with her corgie and the judge ruled that the breeder pay all the vet bills and refund the money for the puppy then ruled that the puppy be returned to the breeder. I have no clue how the laws are in FL

I am sorry you are going through this. I bet Capone will outgrow this :)

Originally Posted by CollegeCutieUSF (Post 1760157)

Does anyone happen to know how I can find info about the FL Lemon Law in spanish? The breeder speaks spanish, so it's easier if someone doesn't have to translate it.

Thanks guys! I really do apreciate all of the help and support!

UPDATE:: I spoke to the vet this morning and he said that he doesn't think the murmur is a serious one at the moment....he's hoping it will be gone within a month or so. He said we will moniter it again on my next visit..Tuesday 2/26 :thumbup:

Originally Posted by CollegeCutieUSF (Post 1760157)

Does anyone happen to know how I can find info about the FL Lemon Law in spanish? The breeder speaks spanish, so it's easier if someone doesn't have to translate it.

Originally Posted by CollegeCutieUSF (Post 1760151)

Now this is what I'm talkin' about!

I took the part below from the FL Lemon Law:

The law provides for replacement plus reimbursement for veterinary expenses related to certifying the illness, up to the price of the dog.

If a dog is proven ill or defect, consumers may demand a refund or replacement plus reimbursement of veterinary expenses up to the price of the dog.

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Originally Posted by PrestigeousYT (Post 1760538)

I imagine this is what your vet thinks your boy has.
Since he has chosen to wait and recheck.
If he was hearing a more significant murmur you would have been referred to a specialist.


Innocent, flow murmurs. These murmurs are caused by normal turbulent blood flowing across heart valves of young dogs. These low-grade murmurs (less than a grade 2) decrease with age as the heart matures and are not associated with congenital heart disease. The vet will do a recheck in 4 weeks to see if he/she can still hear a murmur.

Deana
Prestigeous Yorkies