Puppy mill raid update: how the rescue happened

You might remember that I wrote about a massive puppy mill raid that took place in Tennessee a few weeks ago with the help of the ASPCA. Many people asked about how the rescue took place and what's happening to the animals.

One of the ASPCA's rescue workers kept a diary of the first crucial days of the operation, and this is online for all to read. I think you'll find it very touching, quite sad reading, as the condition the dogs were found in was quite horrifying. Thankfully, for many of them a happy ending is in sight.

I look forward towards a day when rescue missions like this one are no longer necessary, but as long as they are I'm glad there are organisations across the world that will step in to help. It is with the backing of donors and supporters like the people reading this blog that it's even possible and for that we all thank you.

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.

ASPCA assists Tennessee's largest ever puppy farm raid

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has lent its expertise and resources to Tennessee's largest-ever puppy farm raid, showing that the problem is just as widespread as suspected.

The cruelty investigation team, including two forensic vets, discovered 747 animals in enclosures dotted around the 92 acre Pine Bluff Kennels estate. The vast majority were dogs, but horses, burros, miniature horses, chickens, goats, parrots and pedigree cats were also found on the site.

Seven hundred dogs - over 200 of which are pups - were found lacking basic care in faeces-encrusted pens lacking ventilation and sufficient food and water. Most require treatment for matting, sores, broken limbs, hernias or abscesses. Various different breeds were discovered, including Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, GSDs and Great Danes.

Dr Melinda Merck, working on behalf of the ASPCA, commented:

“This is one of the worst situations I have ever seen. Animals are in extreme states of neglect and illness. Some are dead. The overcrowding, the unsanitary conditions, the flea and parasite infestation, as well as the stress of competing for food and coping with untreated illnesses, are all severe.”

Puppy farms, also known as "puppy mills" in the USA, are an international problem, and despite laws that prohibit some of the practices of puppy farms in the UK, they are still prevalent over here. The industry is often driven by innocent-looking Internet ads, and inexperienced future dog owners are duped into buying a puppy raised in conditions they would have been horrified by.

For more information on helping to destroy this cruel trade and tips on identifying a genuine breeder, please read the Dogs Trust information leaflet.