How do I find an attorney to get my money back from a breeder that sold me a sick animal that died?

You don't need an attorney, you can file in small claims court and present your case yourself. If you were to get an attorney, you'd probably pay more in attorney fees then you would get back and it wouldn't be worth it. You can take copies of the autopsy and any another facts/info you have to court and present them to the judge.

You can read more about state laws that protect purchasers of pets here:

http://www.animallaw.info/articles/dduspetsales.ht...

Did you sign a contract? what are the terms in the contract? most have a clause about seeing a vet within 24-48 hours of picking the dog up, did you do that? What did the vet say in regard to the dogs health at that point? Was there a heart murmur present that wasn't disclosed to you by the breeder. If you have no contract with the breeder there may be laws in your state to help you. But Not having contract or not following the guideline (seeing a vet within the time prvided per the contract) Can make it impossible for you to get any money or puppy back from the breeder.

If you have a written contract and a statement from your vet stating it was a congenital problem, take the breeder to small claims court. If you don't have these things, don't waste your money on an attorney, you won't get a dime out of the breeder, unfortunately.

This is why so many of us advise that you need to see genetic testing results on both parents for things like joint problems and heart defects before you commit to buy and have an iron-clad signed lifetime guarantee against genetic defects (all reputable breeders offer a LIFETIME guarantee). Especially with a breed like an English Bulldog that is very prone to genetic problems. You appear to have bought from a less-than-reputable breeder. I have a feeling this will be a very expensive lesson for you, unfortunately.

You could try going to small claims court and trying to get your money back, however, how would the breeder know the puppy had a bad heart when she sold it? Then again she should have had the dogs vet checked prior to sale when she got their shots, but there's always the chance the vet overlooked that. The best she could do is at least offer a replacement puppy that just sucks.

As long as your claim is under $5000 you can fight her in small claims court, add in your court costs also to the amount you are asking in a refund. Once she thinks she's going to court she might settle before you get there.

Good luck

What does the CONTRACT with the breeder say?

Does the contract state that if the dog dies of congenital illness within a set period that you will recieve a replacement/refund?

Or do you just have one of those "72 hour" guarantees?

If the guarantee does not cover your situation, Im afraid you may be out of luck. If you do have a contract, take the breeder to small claims.. bring your vet records and a copy of the contract with you.

Yeah there is no way I would buy a dog from a breeder without a very specific contract... If you have a contract you can see if it has anything like a health guarantee.

Puppy mills or backyard breeders are bad!!!! It sucks people go there and buy puppies from them. Next time go to www.petfinder.com - adopt one...could be a mix i bet you that will live a long happy life.

PS: check the contract you signed...doesn't it say anything in that - you didn't just give that person lots of money without papers did u?

You don't need an attorney, just a copy of your contract, your state's puppy lemon law & a written statement from your vet as to why the puppy died. Then take her to small claims court.

Good luck. I had a lab that died 3 HOURS after I got it and the breeder thought I poisoned it.

Look around in your nearest metropolitan area you have a good case if you had an autopsy performed.