Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - They bought dogs from a breeder, and just a few days later were spending thousands of dollars at the vet to keep them alive.
Most people don't even realize New York has a pet lemon law, but a few dozen pet owners who filed complaints against a dog breeder in Jordan now know all about it, and are going to get paid back for their vet bills.
The Attorney General's office was able to get $30,000 in restitution from former breeder Darlene Rocazella. She ran her business, Rocky's Canine Connection, out of her home in Jordan, selling mostly miniature schnauzer dogs.
Dozens of people filed complaints with the AG's office, claiming that only days after they bought their dogs, the animals got sick and the vet bills started piling up.
If you filed a complaint against this breeder, you should be getting a reimbursement check in the mail from the AG's office any day now.
Here’s The Real Deal on the pet lemon law in general: You have to buy your dog or cat from a breeder or pet store that sells more than nine animals a year.
If it gets sick, you have 14 days from when you brought it home to document that it has a contagious or infectious disease.
Bring that information to the breeder. They're then required to pay for the vet bills. If the dog or cat dies, they're also required to refund your money or give you a new pet. If they refuse, file a complaint with the Attorney General's office.
All of this lemon law information should be posted at the breeder’s business location. If you don't see it, ask about it. If they can't give you all the facts, buy your pet somewhere else.
