lab dog

Question
Hi. My lab just had babies about a few hours ago. She was bred with a male lab that is neighbors with us. This was not planned their male got loose and got our dog pregnant but they are claiming their dog is registered so that is fine. My question is what are their rights as far as vet bills or choice of puppies or sale of puppies at this point when the puppies are ready to be sold?

Answer
Hi Bridget. If this was not a planned breeding, and their dog got lose and bred your female on your property, then they have no legal rights to the pups, or for any money that you may sell them for. If you guys decide to register these pups, and that means that you'll have to include the male, then you may want to be nice and offer them a puppy. It's your choice. If you want them to sign the registration papers for these pups, then you need to talk to them and find out what they want. They may want a puppy, or to charge a stud fee. It's kind of silly to charge a stud fee for something that was an accident, and the fact that their dog got lose, came onto your property, but they may. They have no right to any money that you may get for selling the pups though. No stud dog owner does. They either take a stud fee or pick of the litter. As for any vet costs, they aren't responsible for it, especially if they take a puppy or stud fee. That's the bitch owner's responsability. Again, because they are your neighbor's, I would suggest sitting down with them and discussing all of this. Good luck!