Here at iHeartDogs.com, our mantra is unquestionably “adopt, don’t shop.” Beyond the moral considerations, buying canine from breeders or pet shops comes with a number of different risks.
The most typical downside related to buying canine is vendor scams. A latest lawsuit brings to mild a novel type of canine shopping for rip-off: leasing.
The Case Of Monterey Financial Services
On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, Monterey Financial Services LLC entered into an settlement with Suffolk Superior Court. The California-based finance firm agreed to pay $900,000 for illegally “leasing” canine in Massachusetts.
By buying canine and gathering on excellent balances on leases for them, Monterey Financial Services LLC violated MA shopper safety legal guidelines. Attorney General Maura Healey stated in an announcement:
“Families in Massachusetts looking to get a dog should not be trapped in leasing agreements that are harmful, expensive, and illegal.”
Leasing a canine, on this case, works equally to leasing a automobile. Consumers make month-to-month funds and pay a further payment on the finish of the lease to maintain the canine.
As a results of the settlement, MFS LLC should cancel about $700,000 in excellent shopper debt on 211 canine leases. They’ll even be transferring official possession of these canine to the Massachusetts residents.
The firm pays $175,000 in restitution to customers and a $50,000 nice to the state of Massachusetts. Still, MFS LLC stated it stands by its file of “high levels of performance for our clients, low consumer complaint ratios, and a deep-rooted dedication to customer service.”
In an announcement, Monterey Financial Services LLC stated:
“While we disagree with the state’s findings, we have elected to come to an agreement to move away from this issue to best serve our clients. Monterey has and continues to strive to employ business practices in full accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.”
Adopt Don’t Shop!
The Monterey Financial Services LLC case is a primary instance of economic exploitation of people that simply desire a canine to like. Adopting a canine doesn’t have to price 1000’s of {dollars}, although.
Every day, numerous canine sit in shelters awaiting rescue. Some areas have larger consumption charges, so when you reside someplace with much less accessible animals, take into account taking a bit adoption journey. Many shelters host particular waived adoption payment occasions, and typically adoption charges are sponsored.
This article particulars easy methods to discover a rescue canine of each breed so there’s no have to contact breeders. Beware of on-line adverts, although: be taught extra about pet scams right here.
H/T: AP News
