I purchased a 2 and a half year old dog on Sunday from a seller who advertised it for sale because they felt he did not receive the time and attention he deserved and that they did not want to continue paying for dog walking costs.

We visited them and the dog and finally agreed that they would deliver him to my house on Sunday. They were sad to leave him but said it would be best for him. I have always had a dog in my life, my previous dog dying of old age (16) last year.

I paid the full asking price and got the seller to sign a receipt saying that the dog had been sold to me and was I good heath. I gave them a copy of this.

Yesterday I took him to vets for a check up and innoculations ( although the ad said theses were up to date the seller then said he had his puppy injections only) and to have the microchip scanned to register as the new owner.

All was going very well until 9.30pm yesterday when I received a call from the seller saying that they had changed their mind and want the dog back for a full refund.

I love the dog and am very happy with him. Do they have any rights over him now please?

What a horrible position to be in, I don't envy you having to make such a decision as it's a bit of a no win situation as somebody is going to end up very upset whatever you decide.

I don't think the seller has any legal right to ask for the dog back and I believe you are entitled to refuse to return him.

If you were to perhaps consider returning him as a gesture of goodwill, you would be able to request a full refund of the purchase price plus anything else you had spent on the dog in the meantime, eg the vet's bill, food etc.

yes agreed.

In your position I think I would stick with it. The seller has already decided to part with the dog so can't be that serious about their ex-pet and it sounds as if the dog would be better with you.

HB

Thank you so much for your all your advice.

I am going to stick with it as I feel that to go as far as advertising a dog for sale you really need to be absolutely 100% certain that you can part with him beforehand. You can’t give several excuses as to why you can’t keep him and then all of a sudden those reasons don’t apply.

He is already a much loved pet in my family and we will make sure he i very well looked after.

Have you asked your vet surgery for advice? They may have seen this before.

HB

I don’t think they want to get involved. They scanned his chip , put me down as the owner on his records and told me to contact the chip registry. When I changed the chip details today the registry say that I am now the registered owner and the previous owners will be contacted and if they object they will have to take legal advice.

I really just want to be sure that now I have purchased him, and have a receipt signed by the previous owner, I am now the owner.

If this is the case, as unfortunate as the situation is, I am willing to stick with it and keep him.

That's a shame about the vet, but it's understandable.

Do you have legal cover with your house insurance?

HB

That’s a good point actually. I might have , but I’m sure I’m covered with my union.

Thank you!

Buying a second-hand dog is no different, from a contract law point of view, to buying a second-hand car or sofa or TV. They offered to sell, you agreed to buy at that price, you paid the money, you have a receipt confirming payment. Contract concluded, the dog is yours! They are no more entitled to change their mind now than they would have been if you'd bought their sofa.

I don't think you need lawyers involved at this point. Just reply, "Sorry, but no, it's our dog now and we don't want to sell".

Hi,

Do you know how long they have had the dog.

Since he was a pup

Since he was a pup

Thanks,

Not that it makes much difference, I can't see how they could have the dog for this time then decide they can't look after it properly.

It is a difficult one, we have had dogs all our lives and would never dream of giving one up unless there was a very good reason.