Question
I know someone who is trying to sell puppies on Facebook that aren't purebred but is saying they are. She has no proof/papers to back it up. They are mixed breed puppies, and I don't know what action I can take on this topic. She isn't close with me. I am very concerned, and it is taking advantage of people, its misleading and is false information.
Alberta, Canada
Answer
Sadly, puppy sale scams are not uncommon. Ideally, people who can offer an animal a loving and forever home would adopt the animal from a shelter or rescue organization. There are so many wonderful homeless animals who are waiting to be adopted.
In Canada, complaints about animal sale scams can be made to various entities, including the police, Anti-Fraud Centre, and consumer protection organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau. The social media company where an ad is placed may also agree to remove the ad if there is evidence of fraud.
PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.
Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!
Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.