Puppy Trafficking: Dogs Trust tips for buying a puppy

Many of you may have seen today's coverage from the RSPCA on Importing puppies for profit. Dogs Trust agree with many of the points that the RSPCA have made, here is our official response.

Dogs Trust is totally opposed to puppy farming and other intensive breeding methods, where bitches are bred from to the point of exhaustion and where the puppies’ health, welfare and socialisation are not considered paramount. Puppies from puppy farms are at a greater risk of developing behavioural or physical health problems due to poor breeding. These problems can include congenital heart disease, malnourishment, aggression or nervousness.

There is a common misconception that if a breeder has endorsement from the Kennel Club - the quality of the puppy is assured. This is not the case and Dogs Trust urges all potential owners to make adequate checks about a puppy’s background.

Although the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999 has enabled the local authorities to act against unscrupulous breeders, we remain concerned that this law must be enforced. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 enables the government to update this legislation and we’ve been campaigning actively for this to be done since the act came into force last year.”

Dogs Trust- 3 top tips when buying a puppy:

1. PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION- it is always best to go for a breeder that has been recommended by your Vet.

2. Make sure to SEE THE BITCH AND REST OF THE LITTER.

3. Make sure to get all the HEALTH PAPERWORK and HEALTH SCREEN. This will avoid expensive Vet bills.