25% Pups Come From Puppy Farms
The Kennel Club has released research suggesting that more than one in four people may have bought a puppy from a puppy farm, many of which may end up with health and behavioural problems.
Millions of buyers are being misled, taking home puppies with no paperwork from irresponsible breeders and ending up with huge vet bills in the process. The internet has been cited as a reason for puppy farmers being able to hide the conditions in which 'cut price' puppies are kept.
The Kennel Club is eager to raise awareness about puppy farming and responsible ownership through the national Puppy Awareness Week which begins today.
The Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko, has slammed puppy farming as a "cruel trade that treats dogs as commodities rather than living creatures."
She said: "Our worry is that in the future even more people will be fooled by puppy farmers who hide behind the internet, being drawn in by the knock down prices without being aware of the high cost that they will pay later. This will simply grow the abandoned dog population and result in even more suffering."
Puppy farming is a cruel industry where puppies are bred without any regard for the health and well-being of either the puppy or the mother. Statistics show that 44% of people are unaware of what a puppy farm actually is, explaining why almost 30% of people have bought their puppy from the internet, a pet shop or newspaper outlet, all of which are often used for selling farmed puppies.
Taking place this week, PAW aims to bring the horrors of puppy farming to the public consciousness and highlight the important steps that are required when thinking about purchasing a puppy such as choosing the right breed and finding a responsible breeder. It will culminate in Pup Aid, the boutique music festival, celebrity judged fun dog show and family day out at Stanmer House in Brighton on 18th September organised by TV vet Marc Abraham. For further information, click here.
The Kennel Club has created a petition to help end puppy farming and hopes to reach 100,000 signatures so that it may be addressed in the House of Commons. Dog lovers are invited to add their support by clicking here.
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.
