The SNP Government and the Scottish SPCA have joined forces to make people aware of the risk of buying illegally bred puppies online.
Finding the right puppy to become part of your family is an important decision and for many people, the search starts online. However, many puppies advertised this way are being sold by illegal puppy dealers and without knowing the warning signs, you could end up being tricked into buying from a puppy farm.
The result can be devastating for both you and your puppy: 1 in 3 get sick or die within the first year.
Unfortunately, you are more likely to buy an illegally bred puppy than you think. Puppy farmers go to great lengths to deceive potential buyers; from renting fake houses to sell the puppies from, to producing counterfeit paperwork.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“With Christmas coming around, demand for puppies will increase steeply over the coming weeks.
“I urge everyone to make sure they take the necessary steps to ascertain that you are buying from a responsible puppy breeder and not an illegal dealer who doesn’t care about the animals.
“There are of course also mature dogs waiting to be adopted into a loving home, so if you are looking for a pet, why not consider adopting one from your local shelter?
“The only way to put an end to the illegal puppy trade is to stop buying from them, so please visit www.buyapuppysafely.org or www.facebook.com/saferscot .
“Should you view a puppy and something doesn’t seem right, please walk away and report your concerns to the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
ENDS
