One in five has bought a pup from illegal breeders (From South Wales Guardian)

One in five has bought a pup from illegal breeders

4:00pm Sunday 16th September 2012 in News

DOG’S LIFE: Make sure your new pub comes from a responsible breeder or a rescue home.

CARMARTHENSHIRE dog lovers are being urged to become “puppy aware” after latest figures showed that one in five unsuspecting people who buy a dog in the county purchase their new pet from illegal puppy farms.

The Kennel Club has urged would-be buyers to ensure their new pets come from a responsible breeder or rescue home.

Officals at the charity have said more and more Carmarthenshire dog-lovers are being duped into taking pets bred on puppy farms, which often end up with health and behavioral issues due to the terrible conditions in which they are raised.

The Kennel Club’s Caroline Kisko said: “Ashocking number of people treat buying a puppy the way they would if they were buying a car or a fridge – and have no idea what to ask to ensure they get a healthy, happy puppy – whether pedigree or crossbreed.

“As a result, puppy farmers are able to trade on selling ‘fashionable’ cross-breeds or pedigree pups with no questions asked.”

Caroline urged would-be buyers to make sure they see anypuppies with theirmother and in their home environment.

“Almost a quarter of puppy buyers from Carmarthenshire have bought a puppy from a puppy farm,” said Caroline.

“Often the seller arranges for a home delivery or a motorway service station pick-up, hiding the horrific conditions that pups are raised in.

“These are classic tricks used by puppy farmers to stop people seeing the horrific conditions in which they were raised.

“Sadly, these puppies often grow up with health and behavioural problems, which can cost thousands of pounds to treat or which lead to heartbreak if the problems cannot be overcome. Puppy farming is a poorly regulated and often cruel industry where puppies are bred in dirty, cramped conditions, from overused breeding bitches, without any regard for the health or wellbeing of thepuppyormother.”

“We urge potential puppy buyers to steer well clear of anybreeder or outlet that does not assess your suitability as a dog owner, and doesn’t give you every opportunity to vet their suitability as a breeder.”