Puppy Trafficking - GMTV Now!!

Results of an undercover investigation coupled with real-life owner experiences are unveiled by the RSPCA today to expose the grim realities of unethical 'puppy trafficking'.

As part of the campaign, undercover RSPCA officers test purchased six puppies - two of which were found to have potentially fatal illnesses.

Chardonnay, a cavalier King Charles spaniel cross, was diagnosed with pneumonia and, despite constant care, sadly died two weeks later. Frank, a mastiff, had parvovirus, but was fortunately saved by vets.

The remaining four puppies were healthy, although two had behavioural problems, and were sold with good advice and paperwork.

A short film featuring undercover footage from the investigation is available to view on the RSPCA's new campaign network website:

www.giveanimalsavoice.org.uk
[This link opens in a new window.]

People must know the risks when buying a puppy
Tim Wass, chief officer of the RSPCA inspectorate, said: "This investigation shows only a small snapshot of what is happening, but if these figures are multiplied to reflect the huge market for puppies in this country, then we are talking about a lot of sick dogs."

Consumer Direct, the government advisory service, received more than 700 puppy-related calls in 2007, many of which concerned animals who became ill soon after purchase, or who were not as described in adverts.

Mark Evans, RSPCA chief veterinary adviser, said: "Puppy trafficking is a despicable, profit-driven business. We want the dog-loving public to destroy the puppy trafficker's market.

"If you're planning to buy a puppy, do your homework. Question everything and make absolutely sure the puppy you buy has come from a loving, caring home. Let common sense prevail and if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't, so walk away."

New surveys highlight the problem
A new survey shows that 73% of vets are concerned about the trade in puppies, or 'puppy trafficking', which sees about 1,000 puppies a week imported from Ireland into Wales, and then sold on further afield, via internet or newspaper advertising, or by pet shops.

Yet in a recent online survey:

only 2% of those who bought a puppy in the last three years believed it was from Ireland


38% of those who bought a puppy from a pet shop said it got ill within a few months.

If buying a puppy, do your homework
The Society believes it is high time that people planning on buying a puppy know the risks they face if they do not do their research and get one from either a rescue centre or a responsible breeder.

Mark Evans added that mothers may be kept as nothing more than breeding machines and have a miserable life, forced to produce litter after litter.

The puppies they give birth to are treated as products and are unceremoniously passed on to unscrupulous traders or sold direct to naive new owners.

In the cases of the two sick dogs test purchased, undercover inspectors were told they had been vaccinated, when blood tests showed no evidence of this.

He said: "The RSPCA believes that many are likely to have been exposed to disease and may become seriously ill, or even die, within days or weeks of entering their new home.

"And puppies who have only experienced life on a puppy farm may be mentally unprepared for life as a family pet, making them more vulnerable to developing behaviour problems as they grow up."

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