Orlando, Florida Jun 9, 2021 (Issuewire.com) - During a Orange County Commissioners meeting on May 11, 2021, Commissioner Wilson during a vote stated “it’s about protecting our consumers, our residents” But what Commissioner Wilson actually voted for was the removal of ALL consumer protections in a purchase of a puppy in Orange County Florida.
Commissioner Wilson voted to remove the ONLY mandatory consumer protection law protecting consumers who purchase puppies and kittens in the County. Florida Statutes § 828.29 also called Florida's Pet Lemon law, provides many protections and requires animals to be up to date on Vaccinations, De-Wormings, and a Fecal Test prior to sale. The Pet Lemon Law also requires a Florida-issued Health Certificate signed by a licensed Veterinarian after the puppy or kitten has been examined but prior to sale.
Consumers have 14 days to document contagious or infectious diseases and a full year to document congenital or hereditary defects to provide the consumer with three different options. These options include a full refund for the pet, a replacement pet, and reimbursement of veterinary expenses up to the price of the pet.
The Florida Pet Lemon Law also requires consumers to notify the pet dealer within 2 business days of their veterinarian's determination. While the pet dealer also has the right to have the pet examined by a different veterinarian.
Commissioner Wilson also voted to remove all regulatory oversight for consumers looking to add a pet to their family in Orange County, currently mandated by the state of Florida. Currently, Pet Stores or Pet Dealers are the only source of pets that must be licensed and inspected with Orange County Animal Services. These inspections are unannounced surprise inspections all while also inspecting if there is a complaint made against that pet store. Pet Stores must also be licensed with the state, the Florida Department of Agriculture.
If Commissioner Wilson truly wants to protect the public and provide better care for the pets available for sale and adoption in Orange County, shouldn’t there be equal regulations for both for-profit and non-profit businesses as well as those “backyard breeders”? Why should voters who choose to adopt rather than purchase be less protected and more vulnerable to financial hardship? And why should those voters that choose to purchase from a pet retailer be denied the opportunity due to a Orange County Pet Store Ban on pet retailers in favor of unscrupulous and illegal sources such as Craigslist, online scammers, pet flippers, and retail rescues?
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