For Maryland To Adopt A Puppy Lemon Law

Petition to Adopt a Puppy Lemon Law

Already in effect in twelve other states, puppy lemon laws offer financial and emotional protection to pet owners, encourage responsible breeding practices, and help to preserve the health and well being of dogs.

OWNERS RECOURSE
a. A seller is a person who sells dogs directly to the public. Does not include:
Humane society, a nonprofit agency that functions as a humane society, or an animal control agency. Does include: pet stores and breeders.
b. A buyer is a person who purchases a dog from a seller. Pet stores and breeders may qualify as buyers as well as sellers if they are purchasing their animals from other sources (i.e. instead of selling only those animals they breed).
c. Upon sale of a dog, the seller shall provide the buyer with a written notice of the buyers rights, as outlined in the law.
d. This bill encourages the sellers full disclosure of the dogs medical history and lineage.
e. The seller may be required to provide a replacement dog or financial reimbursement up to the purchase price of the dog less any sales tax in cases where a dog younger than one year-12 weeks becomes seriously ill and/or dies from a congenital or hereditary disease.
f. In cases where the seller misrepresents a dogs eligibility for pedigree registration, the buyer is entitled to return the dog and receive a full refund or keep the dog and receive reimbursement equal to one-half of the purchase price less any sales tax.
g. Reimbursement requires veterinary documentation and proof of purchase. Also at least a one year health certificate.
h. The seller will have no responsibility in cases that illness, defect, or disorder resulted from maltreatment, neglect, illness or injury that occurred after buyer obtained possession of the dog. The seller also has no responsibility in cases where a buyer fails to comply with the terms of sellers contract, which the buyer signed at the time of purchase.


Please help produce healthy puppies: YOU MUST BE A MARYLAND RESIDENT TO SIGN