The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has led to a huge increase in demand for puppies across the country. Whether you’re working from home or looking for a canine companion, it might seem like the perfect time to buy a puppy. However, reputable breeders can’t meet the demand for puppies right now, so you’re more likely to buy an illegally bred puppy than you think.
It can seem very tempting to buy a puppy online and get it quickly, but you should never purchase a puppy impulsively. Illegal puppy farmers are taking advantage of the surge in demand for pups and are cashing in on the back of the pandemic. No matter how quickly you want a puppy, it’s essential to learn the signs of an illegally bred puppy as most illegally bred puppies are sold online through social media or small ad sites. Sadly, 2 in 5 of those pups bought online die before their fifth birthday and more than 1 in 6 get sick or die in the first year.
Take the quiz below to test your knowledge and see if you can spot an illegally bred puppy.
Now more than ever, it’s important to #LookBeyondCute and be aware of the three ‘Pup Checks’ to buy a puppy safely.
Read on to find out what to look out for when buying a puppy and remember if there’s no mum and no paperwork, then you need to #LookBeyondCute and walk away.
Many dealers are running huge operations, selling multiple litters at the same time, or even smuggling dogs to the UK from abroad. Look out for these signs online that can reveal if the advert has been posted by an illegal seller.
The safest way to find a puppy is not to source your puppy through an online advertising website. Seek recommendations from your local vet, approach local dog clubs, look for established breeders with a proven history and good reputation, or consider getting your puppy or dog from a re-homing centre.
With the current restrictions on travel due to coronavirus, you should look for a local breeder or wait until you can safely travel outside your level if you’re not buying a puppy within your local authority area. Find out more about coronavirus protection levels here.
When you’re ready to meet your puppy, there are signs to look for so you don’t get tricked into buying an illegally bred puppy. You should also make sure you comply with the current Government coronavirus guidance for your local area.
Take our ‘Are you puppy-ready?’ Quiz to test your knowledge and find out if you are all clued up on the signs and ready to go meet your puppy.
Having been born and brought up in stressful and unhygienic conditions, with no traceable family history, puppies originating from illegal puppy farms are more likely to have health problems, disease and behavioural issues due to lack of socialisation. These might not be obvious straight away but could develop after you bring the puppy home. Here are some of the potential consequences:
Most illegally bred puppies are sold online through social media or small ad sites, and the terrible fact is that more than 1 in 6 (15%) of those puppies bought online get sick or die in their first year.
When you take your puppy home, it could develop severe illness straight away due to infection and the absence of vaccinations at puppy farms. Puppy farmed pups are more likely to have genetic disorders and deadly infectious diseases such as parvovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea amongst other symptoms and can cost up to £4,000 to treat.
Puppies from puppy farms are more likely to be more aggressive, anxious and show symptoms of trauma, as a result of being brought by in a stressful environment by puppy dealers. Unfortunately, these issues may never go away – they cannot always be solved through training or by a loving and caring home.
The cost of buying a dog from a puppy farm can rack up over its lifetime. Owners who purchased from an Assured Breeder spent nearly 20% less in vet bills during their dog’s lifetime, compared to those from puppy farms.
Although it is a natural instinct to want to rescue a puppy from an unlikely situation, buying from an illegal dealer helps fuel a lucrative criminal industry that breeds dogs for profit, with no care for the welfare of the mum or puppy. This leads to further suffering in the long run.
The best thing to do if something doesn’t seem right is walk away and report your concerns of puppy farming to the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
Many shelters based in Europe and abroad launch appeals online and on social networks for homes in the UK to adopt orphaned dogs and puppies. While the ‘adopt don’t shop’ approach is a responsible way of buying a dog, rehoming one from abroad can carry a number of hidden risks.
Young puppies carrying diseases can be transported into the UK for sale and rehoming - often by
illegal operations running commercial puppy farms abroad. These animals’ passports can contain
false information, carrying fake test results and fraudulent microchip numbers.
Vets in the UK have identified an increased number of cases of dogs rehomed or bought from abroad displaying signs of mistreatment, diseases and parasites. These diseases and conditions can worsen over time, causing long-term health issues and even premature death.
The transportation process can be extremely stressful for animals, with dogs brought over from abroad often being deprived of human contact or other dogs’ company. This can result in trauma and the dogs can show symptoms of anxiety, fear and aggression afterwards. The transportation and rearing environments of these dogs is often dirty too, leaving them with illnesses, ticks or mites.