Hi, I'm looking for advice on what to do about a breeder who isn't replying to my messages.
I reserved a puppy remotely via social media. I’d been following my pup’s progress every day since she was born, and I paid the deposit after a few days. When I stopped seeing my dog on their livestreams, I asked the breeder where she was. They told me she’d had a bit of a problem but that they were sorting it. I asked for photos and daily updates on her health and development. The breeder was supposed to video call us that same evening so we could see the pup, but the call never happened. Suddenly, they had an 'internet outage', which somehow didn’t stop them from posting videos on their site or doing livestreams from outside their home. After numerous phone calls and messages went unanswered, they finally admitted that my puppy had died from her injuries – she’d been bitten by other puppies at the breeder’s, which damaged her tendons and nerves. After several operations, she developed septicaemia. I’ve been patient. I was offered another puppy from a future litter or a refund; I chose the refund. Since then, they still aren't replying to my messages. They read them, but that's it. I even suggested they could pay me back in instalments if that would help them, but still nothing from their side. Regarding my messages saying I’m waiting for a response, I’ve heard of similar situations where they’ve gone quiet on other buyers after a problem with a puppy, so I think this is just how they operate. I don't know what to do. They call themselves professionals. They even had an issue themselves when buying a pup from a breeder and had the nerve to call them out – they have no shame. I’d like to know what the legal timeframe for a refund is, considering it will be a month on 4th July since my dog died and I’d already paid for her in full. Thanks for your help.
