(a) In the event that a breeder wishes to contest a demand for any of the remedies specified in Section 122070, the breeder may, except in the case of the death of the dog, require the purchaser to produce the dog for examination by a licensed veterinarian designated by the breeder. The breeder shall pay the cost of this examination.
(b) If the purchaser and the breeder are unable to reach an agreement within 10 business days following receipt by the breeder of the veterinarian’s statement pursuant to Section 122070, or following receipt of the dog for examination by a veterinarian designated by the breeder, whichever is later, the purchaser may initiate an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to resolve the dispute or the parties may submit to binding arbitration if mutually agreed upon by the parties in writing.
(c) The prevailing party in the dispute shall have the right to collect reasonable attorney’s fees if the other party acted in bad faith in seeking or denying the requested remedy.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1996.)