Unkowingly bought aggressive dog

[AggressiveDog]

A week ago I purchased a Rottweiler from a guy in Burlington, NC. I paid $500 when I picked her up and owed $400 by Feb 5th due to the fact that her registration papers were not in order yet. (and still are not) In my emails before the purchase I asked how she was with kids so I would know what her temperament was like. He informed me that she was great with kids. The only problems she had was poor nutrition due to the fact that the friend that he had caring for her was not feeding her. I did not have a problem with this b/c nutrition could be improved. When she was loading in the car she yelped and I asked him if she had anything wrong with her and he said no but she probably hit her stomach on the hitch. I have had her for a week and took her to the vet today to see if anything was wrong with her b/c she still will yelp if she moves a certain way. I figured if it was a bruise or a pulled muscle from jumping in the car a week should be sufficient for healing so I feel there was a previous injury that was not disclosed. Not only has this been a problem but she has turned out to be temperamentally unstable. She has tried to bite several people and even muzzled the vet could not perform an exam on her. I contacted the seller and said I wanted to return her b/c I was not told she was aggressive. The seller told me that I could either send him the remaining $400 or return the dog but will not give my $500 back. I cannot see sending him $400 more for a dog that has issues that were not disclosed by the seller. Am I entitled to my $500 back if I return the dog (which I want to do)? If he will not take the dog back do I still have to pay the $400.

[AFFA]

Re: Unkowingly bought aggressive dog

I wish to inform you that you can return the dog on the ground that you were sold dog with false information. In this regard as the sale was based upon false information thus you can seek refund of your $500. If a contract is based upon false information or is agreed under false statement or false representations then consent to agreement is not valid and the agreement is voidable at the option of the person whom false information has been supplied. You can demand notice and if other party refuses then a law suit in small claims court can be filed.

AFF

[Disagreeable]

Re: Unkowingly bought aggressive dog

You need to have the injury assessed. I have been in pain for over 20 years. Everyone says what a pleasant softy I am, until the see me start chewing heads off.

[Friend In Court]

Re: Unkowingly bought aggressive dog

A week ago I purchased a Rottweiler from a guy in Burlington, NC. I paid $500 when I picked her up and owed $400 by Feb 5th due to the fact that her registration papers were not in order yet. (and still are not) In my emails before the purchase I asked how she was with kids so I would know what her temperament was like. He informed me that she was great with kids. The only problems she had was poor nutrition due to the fact that the friend that he had caring for her was not feeding her. I did not have a problem with this b/c nutrition could be improved. When she was loading in the car she yelped and I asked him if she had anything wrong with her and he said no but she probably hit her stomach on the hitch. I have had her for a week and took her to the vet today to see if anything was wrong with her b/c she still will yelp if she moves a certain way. I figured if it was a bruise or a pulled muscle from jumping in the car a week should be sufficient for healing so I feel there was a previous injury that was not disclosed. Not only has this been a problem but she has turned out to be temperamentally unstable. She has tried to bite several people and even muzzled the vet could not perform an exam on her. I contacted the seller and said I wanted to return her b/c I was not told she was aggressive. The seller told me that I could either send him the remaining $400 or return the dog but will not give my $500 back. I cannot see sending him $400 more for a dog that has issues that were not disclosed by the seller. Am I entitled to my $500 back if I return the dog (which I want to do)? If he will not take the dog back do I still have to pay the $400.

If the seller told you the dog was not aggressive, was in good health, then he misrepresented and you are entitled to your money back. Of course, he doesn't want to return it -- unless you force him to.

You will have to sue the seller. Have the judge order him to refund your money. The vet bills, the vet's testimony or sworn affidavit of the dog's aggressive nature and the extent of the dog's poor condition and injuries will help your case.

Small claims is the court you will want to sue in once you have your evidence lined up.

The dog was ill cared for and probably also mistreated to make her suspicious and agressive to everyone. Couple that with probably extensive pain she was feeling, no wonder the vet had trouble examining her. If she cannot be treated, her injuries too severe and in too much pain to even let a vet examine her, sadly she may have to be put down to be put out of her misery. A sad, sad situation more for the dog than anyone else.

I trust that for the next dog you intend to buy you bone up on the nature of the breed. Rottweilers were bred to be aggressive, bite-your-face-off-if-they-have to, guard dogs. Sure, gentle, loving care and/or the nature of an individual dog can turn out a lovable hunk of a family pet. And they can be good with children -- as long as they don't fall on them. Rotty's can get to 120 pounds or more, all muscle.

Odds are you are going to have to sue the guy to get your money back.

[Friend In Court]

Re: Unkowingly bought aggressive dog

I want to add a point or two; You are also entitled to the vet bills you incurred and any more you incur before the issue is settled.

In all likelihood the dog was physically abused, too. Dogs have a high tolerance for pain before they yelp or give off outward signs. From his reactions, even muzzled with the vet, the dog may have cracked or broken ribs or painful internal injuries.

If you cannot get him to a vet, like one who handles large animals, has the equipment to shoot him with an anesthetic to put him out so he can be examined, most likely you will have to have him put down. If it were me, I'd take the first option -- take him to a vet who handles exotic animals and has the equipment to shoot him with an anesthetic to put him out so he can be examined, x-rayed at the least. Then you will know the extent of his injuries and can decide whether the dog can be treated, what the cost will be or whether he is too badly injured that he must be put down.

And you will have that evidence when you go after the seller for knowingly selling you a badly injured and unmanageable dog.