Refuse to pay back deposit

I chose to go against my better judgement and pay money upfront (10 April 2020) to secure a pup which wasn't even born yet. As it was a specific gender/colour combination that I was wanting I was told there were two possible litters which I could get it from.

I messaged on 24 May to find out how things were as one of the *****es was due by then and the other shortly thereafter.

I was told that the one didn't take and that the other was going for c section.

I received no further information even after contacting to find out how the dog was doing.

Only after mentioning getting my lawyer involved was I told that there is no pups forthcoming as the pups had been absorbed. (I was told by Bianca Heyndrych their Marketer - who I had been in contact the whole time, that the Vet diagnosis was available should I want it. I said yes for the benefit of my partner)

I was given the option to be in line for the next available pup matching my preference or refund. However the moment I mentioned wanting my refund I have been ignored. I have sent emails to the owner Lionel Marais (into whoms bank account the deposit was paid into) and received no acknowledgement.

I am passed from pillar to post with no return of my deposit two weeks later.