Animal Transactions involve legal services regulating the buying, selling, gifting, exchanging, and temporary transfer of animals. This field covers pets (dogs, cats) as well as livestock and exotic animals. Trading in expensive breeds is active in Georgia, but often relies on verbal agreements, leading to disputes over health conditions, pedigree, and ownership. A qualified lawyer ensures the written formalization of the deal, verification of veterinary passports and pedigree documents to prevent fraud and legal defects regarding "living property."
What Does the Animal Transactions Service Cover?
The service ensures the legal safety of the transaction:
- Purchase Agreement: Drafting a detailed contract specifying the animal's breed, age, health status, vaccination record, and price.
- Breeding Rights: Contracts for stud services and terms for offspring distribution.
- Co-ownership: Agreements for joint ownership of show or sports animals.
- Import/Export: Legal support for customs and veterinary procedures when bringing animals into or out of the country.
- Adoption: Reviewing terms of animal adoption contracts from shelters.
Real-World Situations When You Need This Service
Disputes involving animals are often emotional and financially painful:
- Sick Puppy: After buying an expensive puppy, it turned out to have a genetic disease. The seller refuses a refund. The lawyer demands compensation.
- Lost Animal: A finder refuses to return the animal or demands a disproportionate reward. Ownership rights need protection.
- Breeding Dispute: Owners cannot agree on puppy distribution after mating.
- Veterinary Malpractice: An animal died during surgery due to a doctor's error. Compensation for damages is needed.
Georgian Legal Framework
Under Georgian legislation ("Civil Code"), animals are considered property (things), but welfare standards set by the "Law on Pets" (draft/current regulations) apply. For import/export, National Food Agency veterinary regulations and the CITES Convention (for endangered species) are applicable.
Process: How a Specialist Works
The lawyer's work includes:
- Verification: Validating the animal's documentation (chip, passport).
- Execution: Formalizing the deal in writing, notarized if necessary.
- Enforcement: Representation in court in case of disputes.
Why Legal.ge?
Legal.ge offers lawyers who understand the specifics of animal law. Acquiring an animal is a responsibility and an investment. We will help ensure this process is transparent and protected from fraud.
Updated: ...
