September

Growing Puppy Crisis

We have all noticed over the last 2 years during lockdown, more and more people have purchased a pet. Sadly, not every story had a happy ending, which we all at justice for Reggie saw far too often.

We are aware there are not enough puppies bred in the UK to meet the ever-growing demand.

Worryingly there has been a surge of puppies being brought in from outside mainland UK to meet that demand.

The impact from the Covid pandemic has had a huge impact on dog owners already. Changes to daily routines has seen hightened behaviour issues in our dogs.

The costs for veterinary treatment putting added strain on already stretched finances during lockdown.

The rise of puppy farming and puppy smuggling during the last 19 months of the pandemic have shown us many new puppy owners have bought into a heartbreaking and devastating situation.

In just 11 months, 34 heart broken families have contacted Justice for Reggie requesting support and advice following the realisation they had bought a sick/dying puppy.

The puppy in many cases was purchased to provide companionship along the support with the families well-being.

The price of puppies trebled during lockdown with an average puppy costing over £1900, this opened the door to illegal sellers/breeders.

Sadly, due to life returning to normal, people who had bought a puppy didn’t predict what would happen with their new family member when they returned to work. The Dogs Trust stated, they have seen a 35% increase of calls from people who bought a puppy during the pandemic and now wanted to give up their dog.

We all know the Dogs Trusts’ famous slogan “a dog is for life not just for Christmas”.

Some new pet owners buy on impulse and do not think of the long term commitment.

Some people who bought a dog during the pandemic, then needing to return to work, therefore leaving the dog home alone, are seeing behavioural issues, as the dog then needs to adapt to having limited walks and socialisation with the family, this then leads to the dog becoming confused and anxious.

This then, brings realisation to the family the dog now does not fit in with their working/family life.

Unfortunately the dog is then no longer a need and work commitments take priority, forcing the dog to be given up.

Boisterous teenage dogs are another reason for owners to question if they have made the correct decision purchasing a dog, it is understandable many owners paid a substantial amount of money for their new puppy and want to selling the puppy on to retrieve some money back. Although selling on a dog to try to gain money back can cause great trauma for the dog.

At Justice for Reggie, we believe along with many professionals- Passing on your dog from home to home can have a detrimental affect on the dog, which is no fault of their own. They can then turn up dumped as nobody knows what to do with them.

Through this puppy crisis we have spoken with many rescues and charities, all of whom have echoed the same message- "surrender dont sell". When you surrender your pet to a charity or rescue they will have food, warmth and love from the wonderful volunteers, they are assessed and rehabilitated before being adopted.

The rescues also ensure the pet is suitable for the potential families wanting to adopt along with the families themselves being vetted.

Below are some stories of when it goes tragically wrong.

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-teen-scammed-puppy-farmer-21875898?fbclid=IwAR3nPY503863defP6fUypQxkFCXwbdno5ckT8F3LODFdCmjzcos4l4qm_38

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/16696245/former-owner-flogged-killer-dog-insists-nothing-do-with-it/

https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/scottish-couple-attacked-dog-bought-22219375

We all know and understand why some people believe you should not buy a pet online, although we believe buying online can be the safest place if it is regulated.

Not all sellers are illegal sellers/breeders. Researching the breed and breeder, buying with your head and not your heart and do not buy on impulse.

RESEARCH RESEARCH

This is why Reggie's law is so important to us, ensuring there is something out there protecting not only you the buyer but also the puppies.

You can read the heart-breaking stories which have sent in to us on our other stories tab.