How much is that doggy in the window? And does he come with a money-back guarantee? Yes, he does, according to California’s so-called puppy lemon law, which allows a buyer to return a dog for the purchase price — just like for a pair of shoes at Nordstrom — if the animal gets sick because of an undisclosed illness or condition. If that sounds heartless, the law also allows the consumer to keep the sick puppy and still be compensated for some medical costs. “People are much more aware of the problems with puppy mills,” said Barbara Schmitz, an attorney with the group Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute. “That’s what got the law passed.”
Puppy ‘lemon law’ gives buyers a choice
David Colker
Los Angeles Times