| Belgium |
Belgian law (Act of September 1, 2004) and Belgian Civil Code |
Breeders and pet shops have the duty to provide the buyer of an animal with a warranty certificate. The law draws a distinction based on the date of appearance of the defect. When the defect is reported less than 6 months after buying, the customer must demonstrate that the defect appeared after the purchase. If the defect is reported more than 6 months after purchase, the customer must demonstrate that it already existed before the purchase. |
| France |
Civil Code, Protection du consommateur and Code Rural |
Dogs and cats selling with infectious diseases is forbidden (Code Rural; Article R223). Article R213-1 and following mention for dogs the following latent defects (“vices rédhibitoires”): canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, parvovirus, hip dysplasia, cryptorchism, and progressive retina dystrophy. For the cat: feline panleucopenia, infectious peritonitis, FeLV and FIV. Thus, it is only allowed selling of animals free of diseases that are listed in the law. Other genetic or health defects are not covered. |
| Hungary |
Code Civil |
In the previous Civil Code, there was a specific rule for animals which laid down a 60-day period for the guarantee. In the current Civil Code there is not any specific rule for animals so the general rule which covers the animal for 1 year from the date of delivery is applicable. In cases of consumer contracts, the general 2-year period is applicable. |
| Netherlands |
Wet Handhaving Consumentenbescherming |
It is a general law on consumer protection. |
| Besluit Gezelschapsdieren, Juni 17, 2014 (Law on the well-being of the companion animals) |
The seller gives the buyer all relevant information on the health status of the animal, and minimally the vaccination status’ (Art. 3.17, 3.18). The breeders are responsible for genetic defects suffered by animals sold to consumers. |
| Ireland |
Animal Welfare Acts of 2006 and 2011 |
Legal duties are imposed on pet owners including sellers to ensure the adherence to standards of the welfare of their animals. |
| The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 and the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 |
Although acts cite the dogs’ purchase, there are not specific rules regarding the consumer’s protection in relation to purchase. In fact, articles 8 and 9 refer only to an adequate registration |
| Spain |
General Law for the Protection of Consumers and Users |
It is a general law on consumer protection. |
| UK |
Sale of Goods Act 1979 |
Live animals are classified as “goods,” and the act covers rights of consumers. |
