Maggie Rotunda sued to recover $1,200 in medical expenses she incurred after she was gifted a dog with a genetic heart defect.
When the City Court of Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County) dismissed her small-claims case against the dog breeder, Rotunda appealed to the Appellate Term, Second Department.
Because she didn't buy the puppy, and thus lacked a direct relationship--or "privity"--with the seller, a state law which would have allowed the recovery of vet costs didn't apply.
"This is not a puppy love."
To view a copy of the Appellate Term's decision, please use this link: Rotunda v. Haynes