Legal Question in Consumer Law in New Hampshire

Purchased sick cat from breeder

I purchased a ragdoll cat from a breeder for $500. The contract states all cats will be sold in good general health. I was bringing the kitten to the vet after I picked it up so I asked for a stool sample. The breeded asked why and I told her I was bringing it to a vet and was having a fecal exam done. She said the kitten just had a fecal exam and would not give me a stool sample. I brought the kitten to a vet and it had conjunctivitis. After having the cat about a week I noticed something was wrong and brought it to the vet. I was told the kitten has worms and needed to be treated. I also have another cat and dog that could be infected.

Is the breeder liable for the vet bills incurred for the new kitten? What about my other cat and dog that could also be infected with worms?

Thanks.


Asked on 7/31/03, 2:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roy Weddleton Granite Law

Re: Purchased sick cat from breeder

1. Animal shelters and pet shops cannot sell or even give away any cat or dog until it is at least eight weeks old.

2. Whether you buy or adopt a pet, it must have a veterinarian�s health certificate within 14 days of when you buy or receive the animal from a shelter.

3. If you discover that the animal has a disease, you can return it within two business days to get all your money back for a full refund or exchange it for another pet. That is not a lot of time to discover problems so you should immediately bring your pet to your own Vet for a physical check. It is the only way you can comply with the two business day right of recission.

4. Dogs, cats and ferrets, (yes ferrets) three months or older, must be vaccinated against rabies.

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Answered on 8/04/03, 9:40 am


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