Charity shocked over puppy auction
Image: Lottie, Dogs Trust
The Dogs Trust is said to be shocked after a collie cross puppy was brought into its Darlington centre, having been sold at a livestock auction for just £1.88.
Local dog lover Hazel Richards came across the six-week-old puppy, along with three siblings, at a livestock auction in Somerset.
She said: “I was working in the area and saw the signs for the auction and thought I would see if I could pick up a chest of drawers.
"I soon discovered it was a livestock auction but was horrified when the last lot was unveiled as a cardboard box containing four filthy, severely malnourished, six- week old puppies. I couldn’t just leave them so immediately bid on them and bought the box for a meagre £7.50".
The box had been sold as a litter of three, but Hazel soon discovered a fourth puppy tucked at the bottom of the box with a deformed jaw. After taking the litter to the vet, sadly one passed away, though Hazel was able to re-home two pups, and another was taken in by the Dogs Trust.
Staff at the Darlington re-homing centre affectionately named the puppy Lottie. After nursing her back to health, they have managed to successfully re-home her.
Centre manager Sue Embleton, said: "We were shocked to hear of the circumstances in which Hazel acquired Lottie, it sounds like something which would occur centuries ago. It just highlights how flippantly [puppies are sold] in such circumstances and through pet shops and websites."
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.
