PA - Puppy lemon law may get new teeth - April 14, 2011

Puppy lemon law may get new teeth. The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee voted to send a bill (SB27) strengthening the state's 14-year-old puppy lemon law to the Senate floor. The bill, which failed to get a vote last session, comes in response to ongoing complaints about consumers buying sick dogs from breeders and pet stores. Sen. Stewart Greenleaf’s bill would strengthen the law in a number of ways in order to better help consumers recover losses from a seller of a sick dog.

The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee voted to send a bill (SB27) strengthening the state's 14-year-old puppy lemon law to the Senate floor. The bill, which failed to get a vote last session, comes in response to ongoing complaints about consumers buying sick dogs from breeders and pet stores. Sen. Stewart Greenleaf’s bill would strengthen the law in a number of ways in order to better help consumers recover losses from a seller of a sick dog.

Here's what it does: Extends a consumer’s right to seek reimbursement under the Puppy Lemon Law for incurable as well as curable illnesses. Medical conditions such as hip dysplasia would now be covered.

Extend from 30 to 90 days the time period in which a congenital condition may be certified by a vet in order to recover any losses from a seller. Also, the time period for a veterinarian to certify an illness is extended from 10 to 14 days.

The definition of “unfit for purchase” currently means any disease, deformity, injury, physical condition, illness or any defect which is congenital or hereditary and which “severely affects” the health of the animal. The bill replaces “severely affects” with “a significant adverse effect on” the health of the animal. Greenleaf (R., Montgomery) says by ensuring the health of dogs that are sold in Pennsylvania the bill will help crack down on puppy mills.

Source: Philly Dawg April 14, 2011