Seeking advice on an awkward situation.
A deposit was placed late last year with a long established breeder in Australia for a puppy anticipated from litters due in early 2025 . This breeder is listed in Dogzonline and with the relevant state association .
The litters failed … no live pups were available. Communication about this situation from the breeder was not great ( this had previously been experienced before the breeding had taken place but few other Australian options were available with this breed).
The breeder reported ( eventually and not of their own accord ) that no pups were available , and that the deposit could be refunded or held over for a future litter hoped for in March .This was done by email/FB messenger . Initially we were prepared to wait for another possibility of a litter .
No further news has been given and no response has been received to multiple efforts at contact , by phone , text , messenger … even from a public post on the kennel’s FB page asking for any news of another litter.
After being VERY patient and understanding about the undoubtedly sad circumstances of unsuccessful breeding, now multiple direct requests have been made for the deposit to be refunded as offered .
This has resulted in NO RESPONSE WHATSOEVER.
We are considering state dog association complaint lodgement ( fee involved ) but their website states clearly that they will not become involved in financial disputes .
An alternative is to pursue through the small claims tribunal of the state in question.
We are reluctant to comment and identify this breeder via social media as we don’t generally approve of this approach to any dispute and we would greatly prefer to negotiate this in private .
We are however concerned that other potential purchasers may be in the same situation, or may enter into it.
We are very perplexed by the behaviour, not to mention the financial loss, and we feel some action should be taken to rectify this and to save others .