Free Lucy's Law Compliant Puppy Sale Contract (England)

PUPPY SALE CONTRACT

Licensed Breeder (AWLAA 2018)  ·  Consumer Rights Act 2015 Trader-to-consumer  ·  Lucy'S Law SI 2019/2093 Compliant

THIS PUPPY SALE CONTRACT is made on 15 June 2026 between:

(1) Greenfield Cavaliers (sole trader: Helen Margaret Tindall) of Greenfield Cottage, Lower Beechwood Lane, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9JT (AWLAA 2018 licence number WD/2024/00487 issued by Wiltshire Council) (the "Seller"), being a LICENSED COMMERCIAL BREEDER holding an Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 SI 2018/486 licence ("AWLAA 2018 licence") for the activity of breeding dogs; and

(2) James Anthony Carmichael of 17 Marlborough Gardens, Reading, Berkshire RG4 8TP (the "Buyer").

BACKGROUND. The Seller has bred or otherwise lawfully acquired the puppy described in clause 1 (the "Puppy") and has agreed to transfer ownership of the Puppy to the Buyer on the terms set out in this contract. The Buyer wishes to acquire the Puppy as a companion animal and confirms that the Buyer has read the pre-sale information provided by the Seller (including (where applicable) the DEFRA / AWF / RSPCA Puppy Information Pack).

STATUTORY FRAMEWORK. This contract is made under the law of England and reflects the regulatory framework imposed by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 SI 2018/486 ("AWLAA 2018") and, where applicable, the amending Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 SI 2019/2093 in force 6 April 2020 ("Lucy's Law").

The Seller transfers and the Buyer acquires the following puppy (the "Puppy"), described in compliance with the implied term as to correspondence with description (Sale of Goods Act 1979 s.13 / Consumer Rights Act 2015 s.11):

2.1 Price. The agreed sale price for the Puppy is £1,850.00.

2.2 Deposit. The Buyer has paid (or will pay on signature) a deposit of £250.00, applied against the price. The balance is payable on delivery of the Puppy.

2.3 Receipt. The Seller shall provide the Buyer with a written receipt on receipt of the full price. The Buyer shall not take possession of the Puppy until the full price has been received in cleared funds.

3.1 Statutory microchipping. The Puppy is microchipped in compliance with the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 SI 2015/108; the Seller warrants that the Puppy was microchipped by a qualified person before sale and before reaching the age of eight weeks. The microchip number is set out in clause 1.

3.2 Database transfer. The Seller shall transfer the microchip registration to the Buyer on a Defra-approved database within 21 days of delivery. The Seller shall provide the Buyer with the database transfer confirmation.

3.3 Kennel Club registration. The Puppy is registered with the Kennel Club; the Seller shall deliver the original KC pedigree certificate and registration transfer form to the Buyer at delivery. The Buyer may apply to the KC to record the change of ownership.

3.4 DEFRA Puppy Information Pack. The Seller has provided (or shall provide before delivery) the DEFRA / AWF / RSPCA Puppy Information Pack — including vet certification, vaccination record, worming record, parent screening test results, behaviour socialisation notes and dietary information.

3.5 Pre-sale veterinary and worming summary. First vaccination (DHPPi-L) administered 28 May 2026 by Mr R. Halford BVSc MRCVS (Malmesbury Veterinary Group). Worming with Drontal Puppy at 2, 5 and 8 weeks. Microchipped 12 May 2026 (registered with PETtrac). Second vaccination scheduled for 19 June 2026 with the Buyer's vet.

4.1 Description warranty. The Seller warrants that the Puppy corresponds with the description in clause 1 (SoGA 1979 s.13 / CRA 2015 s.11).

4.2 Health at delivery. The Seller warrants that, to the best of the Seller's knowledge after reasonable enquiry: (a) the Puppy is in apparent good health and free from any communicable disease at the date of delivery; (b) the Puppy has received the worming and vaccination treatments recorded in the Puppy Information Pack; (c) the Puppy has been reared in appropriate conditions and socialised with people and (where present) other dogs.

4.3 Vet examination. The Buyer is advised to arrange an independent veterinary examination of the Puppy within 7 days of delivery. Any concerns identified by the Buyer's vet must be notified to the Seller in writing within 14 days of delivery.

4.4 Misrepresentation. The Seller has made no representation about the Puppy other than as expressly set out in this contract and in the Puppy Information Pack (Misrepresentation Act 1967).

5.1 Delivery. The Seller shall deliver (or make available for collection) the Puppy on 22 June 2026 at Greenfield Cottage, Lower Beechwood Lane, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9JT.

5.2 Minimum age at delivery. The Puppy shall not be delivered before reaching the age of EIGHT WEEKS. The Buyer acknowledges the Puppy's age at delivery as set out in clause 1 (10 weeks).

5.3 Risk. Risk in the Puppy passes from the Seller to the Buyer on delivery. Ownership passes on delivery and full payment.

6.1 Duty of care. The Buyer acknowledges that the Animal Welfare Act 2006 s.9 imposes a duty of care on every person responsible for an animal to ensure that its needs are met — including suitable environment, suitable diet, ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns, housing with or apart from other animals, and protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

6.2 Veterinary registration. The Buyer shall register the Puppy with a veterinary surgeon within 14 days of delivery and shall maintain its routine veterinary care (boosters, parasite control, dental).

6.3 Diet, exercise and training. The Buyer shall provide age-appropriate diet, exercise and positive-reinforcement training. Sudden dietary change shall be avoided in the first two weeks following delivery.

(A) THE STATUTORY BAN. Since 6 April 2020 the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 SI 2019/2093 (commonly known as "Lucy's Law") prohibit a licensed commercial seller from selling, as a pet, a puppy or kitten under the age of SIX MONTHS unless the seller has BRED THE ANIMAL THEMSELVES. The prohibition applies in England. The aim is to abolish commercial third-party trade in young puppies and kittens and to force buyers to deal directly with breeders or with rescue centres.

(B) DIRECT SELLER EXCEPTION. A licensed commercial seller may sell a puppy under six months only where:
   (i) the seller has BRED the puppy; AND
   (ii) the MOTHER is present and available for viewing at the place of sale (or the puppy is being rehomed via a rescue centre operating within the scope of the Regulations).

(C) APPLICATION TO THIS SALE.
   Seller status: LICENSED COMMERCIAL BREEDER (AWLAA 2018 licensed for breeding dogs).
   Age at sale: 10 weeks — compliant.
   Puppy bred by Seller: YES — Seller bred this puppy from the Seller's own breeding stock.
   Mother present at sale: YES — Buyer viewed the mother before sale.
   Buyer viewed the mother: YES.

(D) COMPLIANCE. The sale meets the Lucy's Law direct-seller exception: the Seller bred this puppy and the mother was present at the place of sale. The sale is lawful under SI 2019/2093.

(E) AWLAA 2018 LICENCE VERIFICATION. The Buyer has verified the Seller's AWLAA 2018 licence: licence number WD/2024/00487, issued by Wiltshire Council, star rating 5-star (the highest welfare standard). The licence is publicly listed on the issuing authority's register and the Buyer was entitled to (and did, where relevant) inspect the licence document at the place of sale.

(F) PENALTIES. A commercial sale in breach of Lucy's Law is an offence — local authorities investigate and prosecute through the Magistrates' Court, with penalty levels reflecting the seller's knowing breach of the licensing terms. Buyers who suspect a Lucy's Law breach should report the seller to the local authority animal welfare team.

Compliance narrative:
Greenfield Cavaliers is a Wiltshire Council AWLAA 2018 licensed dog breeder (licence WD/2024/00487, 5-star rating since the 2024 annual inspection). The Seller (Helen Tindall) is the registered keeper of both Hazel's parents — dam "Greenfield Ruby" (KC AW9876543) and sire "Greenfield Oliver" (KC AV2345678). Hazel was bred at Greenfield Cottage, whelped 10 April 2026, and has been reared in the family home with daily exposure to children, household sounds and outdoor garden environments. The Buyer (James Carmichael) attended Greenfield Cottage on 5 June 2026 for the pre-sale viewing, met Hazel and her mother Ruby (Lucy's Law direct seller exception satisfied), and confirmed Hazel's identification matches the microchip and KC documentation. Sale is fully compliant with SI 2019/2093 (Lucy's Law) direct-seller exception.

(A) DEFRA / AWF / RSPCA PUPPY CONTRACT. The Seller and Buyer adopt the framework of the DEFRA / Animal Welfare Foundation / RSPCA Puppy Contract — supported by APGAW, Blue Cross, BVA, Dogs Trust, the Kennel Club and the PDSA — as the best-practice basis for documenting the Puppy's pre-sale care and the Buyer's post-sale obligations.

(B) VETERINARY HEALTH CHECK. The Puppy was examined by Mr R. Halford BVSc MRCVS, Malmesbury Veterinary Group on 28 May 2026 and was certified fit for sale, free from any communicable disease and meeting the breed-typical conformation and behavioural expectations.

(C) WORMING. The Puppy has been wormed using Drontal Puppy Oral Suspension in accordance with the standard schedule (at 2, 5, 8 and 12 weeks). The Buyer shall continue routine worming per veterinary advice.

(D) VACCINATION. Vaccination status: first vaccination only completed (typically 6-9 weeks). The Buyer shall ensure that the Puppy completes the primary vaccination course on the schedule advised by the Buyer's vet. The Buyer acknowledges that the Puppy should not be exercised in public spaces (where unvaccinated dogs may attend) until two weeks after the second vaccination.

(E) SOCIALISATION AND BEHAVIOUR. Pre-sale socialisation undertaken by the Seller: Hazel has been socialised in the Greenfield Cottage family environment from 3 weeks of age. Exposure includes: regular handling by adults and children aged 6-14; vacuum cleaner, washing machine, doorbell and television sounds; supervised time with the family's adult Cavaliers and the resident cat; brief lead introduction at 7 weeks; car journeys to local park (5 minutes); two visits to the vet. Diet: Royal Canin Mini Puppy 4-week transition complete. Parent screening: Ruby and Oliver both have current MRD eye certificates, MVD heart certificate clear (last 6 months), DM and EFS DNA clear. Per the KC Assured Breeder Scheme welfare standards.

(F) KENNEL CLUB ASSURED BREEDER SCHEME. Where the Seller is a member of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, the Puppy has been bred to the scheme welfare standards exceeding the AWLAA 2018 minimum. The Seller's KC ABS membership number, parent screening test results (eye / hip / elbow / DNA per breed) and KC pedigree certificate are provided in the Puppy Information Pack.

(G) HEALTH GUARANTEE. The Seller offers the following health guarantee: any breed-typical hereditary condition manifesting within 6 weeks of delivery (and confirmed by veterinary diagnosis) shall entitle the Buyer to one of the remedies available under clauses 7 / 8 below (CRA 2015 / SoGA 1979 switch). The guarantee does not cover accidental injury, dietary disorder, or conditions arising from inadequate post-delivery care.

Health narrative:
Greenfield Cavaliers is a Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme member (membership 2018-2026). The breeder operates above the AWLAA 2018 5-star minimum and applies the KC ABS welfare standards (limit on bitch lifetime litters; mandatory health screening; lifetime breeder commitment). Hazel's pre-sale veterinary check (28 May 2026) confirmed no clinical abnormality; weight, body condition score and coat all within breed-typical range. Six-week health guarantee in place per clause 8.

(A) STATUTORY REGIMES. The legal regime governing remedies for breach of warranty differs by Seller status:
   (i) Where the Seller is a TRADER and the Buyer a CONSUMER, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 Part 1 Chapter 2 applies (live animals are treated as "goods" for these purposes).
   (ii) Where the sale is between PRIVATE individuals, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 ss.12 (title) and 13 (description) apply. The s.14(2) (satisfactory quality) and s.14(3) (fitness for purpose) implied terms apply only to B2B / B2C trader sales — they do NOT apply between private individuals.

(B) APPLICATION TO THIS SALE. This is a TRADER-TO-CONSUMER sale. The Seller is a licensed commercial breeder (AWLAA 2018 licensed) and the Buyer is a consumer acquiring the Puppy for non-business purposes. CRA 2015 applies.

(C) CRA 2015 REMEDIES — TRADER TO CONSUMER.
   (i) Short-term right to reject — s.22. The Buyer has 30 DAYS from delivery in which to reject the Puppy for non-conformity with the contract (description, satisfactory quality or fitness for purpose) and obtain a full refund. The 30-day right is shortened only by perishable nature of the goods — not normally engaged by a healthy puppy.
   (ii) Repair / replacement — s.23. Where rejection is not exercised within 30 days, the Buyer may require the Seller to repair (e.g. obtain veterinary treatment at the Seller's cost) or replace (provide a substitute puppy). For live animals, courts apply this proportionately — a replacement puppy may not be a practical remedy and the parties typically negotiate veterinary cost-sharing in lieu.
   (iii) Price reduction / final right to reject — ss.24-25. Where repair / replacement fails or is impossible, the Buyer is entitled to a price reduction or to reject the Puppy and recover the price.
   (iv) Reverse burden of proof — s.19(14). Within the first 6 months from delivery, any defect is presumed to have existed at delivery (Seller must prove otherwise).

(D) DISPUTE RESOLUTION. Disputes about the Puppy's health or conformity should be referred first to the Seller in writing, with veterinary evidence; failing resolution, to a mediator agreed between the parties. The Buyer's right to issue proceedings in the County Court is preserved.

CRA / SoGA narrative:
This sale is a trader-to-consumer transaction. Greenfield Cavaliers operates commercially under the AWLAA 2018 dog-breeding licence; Mr Carmichael acquires Hazel as a family companion. CRA 2015 Part 1 Chapter 2 applies in full: 30-day short-term right to reject (s.22) if the Puppy fails description / quality / fitness at delivery; repair (veterinary cost-sharing) / replacement / price reduction / final right to reject (ss.23-25); 6-month reverse burden of proof (s.19(14)). The Seller commits to settle any genuine breach claim through veterinary cost-sharing in lieu of replacement (acknowledging that a substitute puppy is rarely an emotionally appropriate remedy). Mediation route: BVA mediation service or local County Court small claims for disputes over £100.

(A) WELFARE COMMITMENT. The parties recognise that the Puppy's welfare is a continuing responsibility extending beyond the date of sale. The Buyer commits to providing a permanent home for the Puppy. Where, despite the Buyer's best intentions, circumstances change and the Buyer can no longer care for the Puppy, the Buyer shall not abandon the Puppy or transfer it to a third party for further sale.

(B) BUYBACK ROUTE. Where the Buyer can no longer care for the Puppy, the Buyer shall first offer the puppy back to the Seller; failing which, surrender to a named rehoming charity (Dogs Trust / Battersea / RSPCA) rather than a third-party sale.

(C) PRIORITY OF SELLER. The Buyer shall give the Seller first refusal — written notice to the Seller, 21-day acceptance window. The Seller may take the Puppy back without payment, or facilitate rehoming via the Seller's network, or decline (in which case the Buyer proceeds to the charity route).

(D) REHOMING CHARITY PRIORITY. The Buyer shall surrender the Puppy to Dogs Trust (or an equivalent UK animal welfare charity registered with the Charity Commission) rather than to a third-party private purchaser. The relevant rehoming routes include Dogs Trust (the UK's largest dog welfare charity); Battersea Dogs and Cats Home; the RSPCA national network; and breed-specific rescue organisations.

(E) NO COMMERCIAL TRANSFER. The Buyer shall not transfer the Puppy to any commercial third-party seller, breeder, puppy farm or unregulated dealer. Any such transfer would expose both parties to potential investigation under the AWLAA 2018 licensing regime.

(F) NO PURCHASE-PRICE REFUND. The Buyer acknowledges that buyback / rehoming under this clause does not give rise to any refund of the original purchase price; the welfare-continuity commitment is altruistic and not a financial arrangement.

Buyback narrative:
Greenfield Cavaliers applies a lifetime welfare commitment to every puppy bred: if Mr Carmichael's circumstances change and Hazel can no longer remain in his home, he shall first offer Hazel back to Helen Tindall in writing with a 21-day Seller-acceptance window. The Seller may take Hazel back (no purchase-price refund), rehome via the Greenfield network (other approved Cavalier homes), or decline (in which case Hazel goes to Dogs Trust). Mr Carmichael agrees not to advertise Hazel on Pets4Homes / Gumtree or other commercial dealer routes. Welfare continuity reflects the post-2020 industry consensus that responsible breeders maintain lifelong responsibility for puppies they produce.

(a) Entire agreement: this contract (together with the Puppy Information Pack referred to in clause 3) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties in relation to the sale of the Puppy.
(b) Variation: no variation is effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.
(c) Severability: if any provision is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in force.
(d) Third-party rights: no person who is not a party has any rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 (save the Puppy itself, whose welfare is protected directly by the Animal Welfare Act 2006).
(e) Governing law and jurisdiction: this contract is governed by the law of England and Wales; the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date indicated.