What would you do? - Problem with a leo, from a seller

[GothGirl]

What would you do?

Me and my other half bought two leopard geckos from someone on here, met in a carpark, looked them over and they looked fine, one wouldn’t open its eyes but we thought, well its albino line and its bright sunlight so light sensitivity isn’t exactly rare...

Took about 45 minutes to get home and when we did we noticed a problem with her eyes, she still kept them both closed and when she opened one it was obvious there was something in it, a flake of brown *Something* like vermiculite, cricket shell or a bit of moss, which I managed to get out.

Texted the guy and asked him what he kept them on to see if it was some bedding, he said kitchen roll only.

Next day it was more obvious of her problem, she keeps both eyes shut most of the time, and the eye that had something in it is slightly clouded with an obvious scratch on the iris and the start of infection.

Text and PM’d the guy about it, but he didn’t reply despite being online.
Rang him on withheld and he answered, told us it wasn’t like that when he had her, we must have done something.
I said things like that don’t turn up overnight, he “hmphed” and hung up on me.
I text, he replied, it wasn’t like that when he sold her.
I text back, saying I didn’t appreciate being hung up on, I said that I wasn’t happy, either I wanted a refund of the £40 I paid for her, and he can come and take her back and take her to the vets, or he can refund me £30 of the £40 I paid, and I’ll take her to the vets, but at the end of the day it’s her welfare that matters most, and she needs to go to the vets anyway, and the £30 he would refund me, wouldn’t even cover the consultation fee.
No reply.
What should I do?
We’re happy to look after her, and get her the treatment she needs, we keep flushing her eye out with sterile water, to get out any debris and hopefully prevent the start of infection, she’s now more willing to open her eyes, but the scratch is still visible.

So what can I do now about the seller? As said we’re happy to keep her, but not so impressed about paying £40 for a gecko with an eye problem, on top of the vets bills that she’s going to incur.

[kerrithsoden]

report him to rspca incase hes got any other animals hes mistreating and be glad u saved that one from neglect. i know it sucks but its good karma

[ferretlad]

I would make one last attempt to contact the op to resolve the vet cost or give you a re-fund, but if they choose to ignore your call/text i would cut my losses and name and shame them as the cruel callous person that they sound. As you mentioned its the animals welfare that counts, and at least the Gecko is getting the treatment it deserves, thankfully its in the hands of someone that cares now. I think i would have a word with the vet to see if they could advise you how to pursue this further. Good luck

[GothGirl]

RSPCA won't do anything duck, they don't care if its not cute and furry or they can get publicity over it.

Thanks anyway though.

What I meant is should I name the seller, or what?

Am I overeacting, I was just a bit miffed over it all.

[excession]

If he is not making any effort to help Id start with Itrader feedback on here as a warrning to other buyers.

Not sure what else you can do (

[jools]

If it was off the classifieds on here you can leave feedback. I'm afraid it might be a case of buyer beware. You did actually see the gecko before you paid him. If it had been a case that it was couriered to you and arrived in poor condition then legally that would be a different matter. I would keep bombarding the seller with texts and calls - from different numbers - until they get so fed up that they actually decide to refund. Get the Leo to a vet and get a vets report. If this shows that the damage is longstanding then you have more of a case. I don't know about the naming and shaming on the forum - you could threaten them with that but whether it would be allowed you would have to ask one of the mods. Hope the little one is OK.

[Athravan]

I'd leave negative feedback and chalk it up to poor experience to be honest, especially if you met in a car park and don't actually have a home address, as there's little you can legally do to chase down a refund without even being able to visit or write a letter.

[Geckogirl_88]

trading standards.
Something tells me he didnt pay any tax on the money you gave him
xx

[jools]

Originally Posted by Geckogirl_88

trading standards.
Something tells me he didnt pay any tax on the money you gave him
xx

If it was a hobbyist breeder he does not have to pay tax. Trading standards would not be interested - this was a private transaction.

[GothGirl]

Here's a pic, sorry about the quality it was done on a phone.