Re: payment of neutering

In Reply to: Re: payment of neutering
Posted by:  Claudia A. Costa
Posted on:  May 31, 2001 at 11:01:03

: : Hello, my JRT had pups 14 months ago, yesterday I received a call from the owner of one of the pups in which I sold. She told me that they had taken the pup to the vet, and the vet said that only one of the pups testicles had dropped, and this could be very unhealthy for him so they were going to have him neutered, she felt I should pay for this, I want to do the right thing, what should I do?
: : Thanks in advance,
: : Nicci

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: Dear Nicci.

: Please read the breeder's code of ethics on this site. You have produced a puppy with a genetic defect. That means this dog should NOT be bred. Also the dog is considered "pet quality".

: The bottom line is that you have produced a dog with a defect which MUST be nuetered. If you adhered to the code and sold it with a contract, the contract should have specified how to handle the matter.

: We here cannot tell you what you are legally obligated to do--particulalry since we do not know the circumstances of the sale. Did they buy a dog they could breed? Were they looking for a pet quality dog? Only you know what the buyer wanted and what they got.

: Sincerely,

: Claudia A. Costa
: ccosta@stryker.com

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Hi, Nicole,

It's just my opinion, but when people buy a pet from you, they have the reasonable expectation that the pup will be reasonably healthy and free of any major defects. Many good breeders will offer an incentive for a person to get their puppy neutered/spayed, say $100 back upon receiving proof that the puppy has been altered. I think this is a great policy, myself.

The puppy you sold has what would qualify as a serious defect. If the owner is responsible and chooses to neuter him, this surgery is going to cost more than the average neutering. If it were me that sold a pup that ended up with only one descended testicle, I would offer to help with the surgery costs. I'd ask that the vet call me personally and give me the cost of the surgery, then I would work with the vet and say "I'll pay you X percentage of the bill AFTER the surgery is completed."

Here in Maine, there is a puppy lemon law that we're supposed to notify sellers of. Several breeders I've met even get pamphlets from the state to give out as part of their sales agreement. The law states that if a puppy is sold and develops a serious genetic problem, the breeder is responsible to a) take back the pup and give a refund up to the full cost of the pet sold b) if the person chooses to keep the dog and deal with medical expenses themselves, they can receive money to cover the expenses, up to half the purchase price of the puppy. So basically, in Maine, puppy buyers can contact the attorney general, who will step in and help puppy buyers protect themselves.

Breeding is not a money making venture. People should do it for the love of the breed and the love of the pups they produce. My personal feeling is that a breeder shouldn't have to be told to do the right thing, and I applaud you for turning to us to ask what we think, but the decision is really up to you. I'm particular on this issue because as a breeder, I want to always do the right thing, AND I went through a lot with a terrier I have. I don't want to hurt someone who gets a puppy from me the way I was.

Good luck, and I hope you consider not breeding the same two dogs together who produced the puppy who has the problem, and let the other buyers know, so they'll know it may pop up should they decide to breed.