The RSPCA is urging families thinking of getting a puppy over the summer holidays to consider adopting a rescue pet as new figures reveal that reports on the Isle of Wight about puppy farms have soared by 300% in the last decade.
The animal welfare charity is issuing advice to prospective dog owners as new figures, released today (Thursday), reveal that puppy farms continue to be a growing problem – with a 390% increase in complaints across England.
The warning comes as new figures reveal that last year (2018) was the worst yet for complaints about the puppy trade in England to the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency hotline. The charity received 4,357 complaints last year – a 390% increase on 10 years ago (2008) when it took just 890 reports related to the underground industry.
On the Isle of Wight, the charity received 2 complaints in 2008 compared to 8 last year.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens said:
“It is distressing that we are still seeing so many reports about puppy farms but part of this increase is probably due to people being more savvy about what to look out for when getting a pet.
“We know there’s a spike in people searching for puppies and buying dogs at the beginning of the school holidays but we’d urge families to carefully consider whether getting a dog is right for them. Dogs are a huge commitment and need lots of time and attention, even once summer is over and the kids are back at school.
“If you do have the time and money for a dog then we’d urge you to consider rescuing instead of buying a puppy. Not only will this give a rescue dog a chance at finding his forever home but it’ll also save any potential heartache caused by unwittingly buying a dog from a puppy farm.”
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Top tips for families buying a puppy this summer
- Do lots of research and make sure you can commit to a new dog before looking for your new family member;
- Adopt don’t shop – visit your local centre to see if you can offer a rescue dog a home;
- Use The Puppy Contract – a guide to how to responsibly source a puppy which can help you find a happy, healthy dog;
- Always visit more than once and the see the mum and puppies interacting together. Be wary of any breeder who won’t let you or pressures you into buying;
- If you’re concerned about something you see at a breeder then walk away, do not buy the puppy and report your concerns to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999, police on 101 or your local council.
