I'm not sure if these contracts can actually be enforced in practice?

Liz

If I found out that my contract had been broke, I would try and push it legally as far as I could. After all I have a signature and a witness to it. Would certainly question it with a solicitor...........

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And suppose you take the person you sold the kitten to to court, and win, what then? There has to be some penalty, what is it? If they have sold the cat on to someone else then there is going to be absolutely nothing you can do to get the cat back, and you're not going to be able to claim any damages because you have not incurred any financial loss.

Sorry but I just don't see what difference it makes in practice. It is useful of course for setting out expectations, but I don't see any use beyond that.

I would be interested to hear of any experiences anyone knows of concerning this question.

Liz

As you said, if there is a contract at least the expectations are laid out and the new owner can't say he/she didn't know.
The option is always there for a breeder to sue if he/she has the time and inclination.

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Whatever way you see it Liz it is a deterrent if nothing else!

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from a legal standpoint, if you've got a signed contract, then if the new owners breach it, then you sue for breach of contract. What the court would award in such circumstances I don't know, assuming you won of course.

Personally, I can see the odd reason why a kitten might be returned, job offer abroad, existing pets didn't get on with kit (if the kit is in danger of being hurt, it's better to take it back IMO) or break up of a relationship at a push.

Personally, I wouldn't take a kitten back unless I had absolutely NO choice.

Just a thought.. All the breeders on here.. why don't you all club together and go see a solicitor to get a legally enforcable, watertight, contract (assuming you haven't already) Might turn out to be worthwhile in the long run?

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