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Hertfordshire agencies unite to tackle illegal puppy trade
puppies
Police are warning members of the public that breeders may resort to intimidation, violence or other coercive behaviour to get what they want.
Follows rise in incidents and crimes in the area

The RSPCA are joining forces with agencies in Hertfordshire to tackle the illegal trade in puppies.

Together with Herts Constabulary and Dacorum Borough Council, the RSPCA aim to educate people of the heartbreak they could face if they buy a puppy from an unlicensed breeder.

The move comes just weeks after the bodies of several puppies were found dumped in undergrowth by a lane in St Albans.

Agencies have also reported an alarming increase of incidents and crimes in the area which are thought to be connected to the illegal puppy trade.

“There are clear links between unlicensed puppy breeding and criminal activity,” commented sergeant Karen Mellor from the Hemel Safer Neighbourhood Team.

“Breeders are believed to be targeting people - often vulnerable individuals - in Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding areas to use their homes to sell puppies, using the property as a meeting place after advertising the dogs online.”

The police are warning members of the public that breeders may resort to intimidation, violence or other coercive behaviour to get what they want.

“Police will take action to protect vulnerable people and investigate any crimes that come to light,” added sgt Mellor.

“We are working together with the RSPCA and Dacorum Borough Council, and are sharing information in order to build up a picture of what is happening so that we can effectively tackle the issue.”

According to Dacorum Borough Council there are currently no licensed commercial dog breeders within the area.

Anyone who believes they may have bought a puppy from an unlicensed breeder, or has concerns about the welfare of dogs and/or puppies at a premises in the area, should call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 123

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.