Charity worried by rise in 'designer' dog rescues
The number of unwanted crossbreeds and fashionable or 'designer' dogs taken in by the charity is climbing.
The RSPCA says it has seen a 'worrying rise' in the number of fashionable, designer dog breeds coming into its centres. Increasing demand for certain breeds is feared to be fuelling the puppy farm trade.
Overall the number of dogs coming into the charity's centres has fallen in recent years - from 3,131 in 2012, to 2,600 last year.
Even typically common rescue breeds, such as Staffordshire bull terriers, lurchers and Jack Russells, are on the decline.
But the number of unwanted crossbreeds and fashionable or 'designer' dogs taken in by the charity is climbing. In 2012, the charity only took in two bichon frise crosses, but last year this figure rose to 22.
Chihuahua crosses needing the charity's shelter also rose from two to 21 in the same period, while pug crosses climbed from six to 14.
The charity has seen fluctuations in husky type breeds over the past few years, thought to be the result of culture trends such as the Twilight films and Games of Thrones series.
The concern is that as responsible breeders cannot keep up with the demand for certain breeds, prospective dogs owners naively turn to puppy farmers, all too often purchasing dogs with health and behavioural problems which end up in the care of charities like the RSPCA.
In October 2015 the RSPCA launched its Scrap the Puppy Trade campaign which aims to tackle irresponsible breeders, traders and importers selling dogs in the UK.
Image © RSPCA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
