September 2023
Puppy Farms and the Impact on Animal Welfare
Despite advice on pet buying available on many websites, the illegal puppy trade continues to grow allowing scammers, rogue breeders and cruel puppy traders to cash in whilst the animals live a life hidden away in truly horrific conditions and bred for profit; nothing else. When we are caught up in the anticipation of buying a new puppy, it is all too easy to forget to look into the full background of where the puppy has really come from.
Since the Government has done a U-turn on animal welfare and the kept animals bill, there has been an increase in puppy smuggling by irresponsible breeders and sellers across the UK and Ireland. Even since enforcements were introduced to control puppy smuggling, it is still a tragedy that is now greatly ignored. The Irish border is still a hot spot for puppies traded from mainland Europe to the UK.
Regulating online selling sites can play a huge part in stamping out the cruel puppy farm trade.
What is a Puppy Farm?
Quite simply, a puppy farm is a breeding facility run purely for profit. The breeding dogs and puppies will be living in a small space in their own filth and only cleaned up when they are ready to be sold. The females are mated every season without being given any time to rest. In-breeding is also highly likely. The puppies will not have the chance to develop life skills nor adequate human contact, as they are just a commodity to be sold as quickly as possible. A puppy farm does not have to look like a farm. They are bred in outbuildings, sheds and remote areas. Illegal breeders and sellers then use rented properties to make it look like the puppies come from a family environment. It is heart breaking to know that Reggie was unknowingly bought from a puppy farm in this way. His family was tricked into thinking they were buying from a reputable breeder.
Reggie
How Puppy Farmers Operate
Despite the introduction of several animal laws including Lucy’s law and Fern’s law, puppy farmers and illegal breeders come in many guises covering up their vile trade through many of the online selling platforms. Lack of regulation of the online selling sites allows this to continue. What is not seen is the state of the breeding dogs, forced to breed over and over whilst riddled with disease. After all, dental disease, infection and injury does not stop them from breeding does it?
Animal welfare legislation
According to the animal welfare legislation. Every pet owner must provide for the following 5 welfare needs of their pets:
Health – Protection from pain, injury, suffering and disease and treated if they become ill or injured.
Behaviour – the ability to behave naturally for their species eg. Play, run, dig, jump, fly etc.
Companionship – to be housed with, or apart from, other animals as appropriate for breeds.
Diet – a suitable diet. This can include feeding appropriately for the pet’s life stage and feeding a suitable amount to prevent obesity or malnourishment, as well as access to fresh clean water.
Environment – a suitable environment. This should include the right type of home with a comfortable place to rest and hide as well as space to exercise and explore.
Conditions on illegal puppy farms are appalling and apart from the filth and disease that easily spreads in dogs and puppies living in cramped conditions; they can also display behavioural problems such as poor socialisation and anxiety. As puppy farms/illegal breeders are unlicensed, they are NOT subject to any welfare inspections and so the animals suffer terribly.
Shocking Truth
A recent case has been highlighted where two puppy farmers from Northern Ireland abused a number of dogs who later died. They were unvaccinated and suffering from injury and disease such as parvovirus. The dogs and puppies were brought to Glasgow and Airbnb properties were rented on a large scale. More on this story is found on the link below.
We will never forget the tragic case of a dog who was bred to the end of her life. She lived her life without love or even a name. All those puppies she was forced to have made a lot of money. They have given joy to families who have not realised the pain and suffering of their mother.
She was found dumped in a ditch after being used as a puppy farm-breeding dog. The vet who took care of her thought she was a spaniel breed but she had multiple health issues and had litter after litter as was found on her broken body. She could not be saved but was shown love in the last few hours of her life. The abuser has still not been found. The Belfast community came together and chose over 30 names for her. The full story can be found on the link below.
Advice
We keep saying this time and time again; If a rescue isn’t an option and you are looking for a puppy on one of the online selling sites, the first thing you should ask is can you see the puppy interacting with its mother in the place that it was born? If not, then you are almost certain you are fuelling the puppy trade. Buyers are continually duped into thinking they are buying from a reputable breeder as the advertisements are very cleverly put together. Many sellers stage puppy sales by bringing in food and toys and sometimes even using a ‘fake mum’. The Dogs trust, RSPCA, PDSA & British Veterinary Association have some excellent trusted information and advice. There is the puppy contract - designed to ensure that buyers have all of the information they need to make an informed decision on buying a healthy & happy puppy.
The more information and knowledge you have about what to consider when buying a puppy, the more you can protect yourself and play a part in stamping out this cruel practice.
We want to help as much as possible to ensure you are buying a puppy from a reputable breeder rather than an illegal dealer who is most likely involved in the cruel puppy trade. Thousands of dogs have been used and abused and thrown away like rubbish when no longer useful. It still goes on today. Please don’t be part of this chain. They are not toys to be discarded, they are live animals who need to be cared for and looked after. In return, they will give you unconditional love; forever.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/caring-ni-public-give-abused-23018270