TRADING Standards officers are warning people to beware of puppy scams in the run up to Christmas.
Animal health officers have received reports of criminal gangs illegally smuggling pups into the UK to sell, puppies being stolen and sold on and consumers paying thousands to bogus online sellers for puppies that don’t exist.
The demand is so great it has led to prices doubling, with popular breeds selling for £3,000 or more.
This has also encouraged more puppy farming, where the dogs are often bred in appalling conditions, increasing the risk of disease and ill health.
Trading Standards officers at Warwickshire County Council say that in April 2020 ‘Lucy’s Law’ was introduced, meaning that anyone wanting to get a new puppy or kitten in England must now buy direct from a breeder, or consider adopting from a rescue centre.
Licensed dog breeders are required to show puppies interacting with their mothers in their place of birth.
If a business sells puppies or kittens without a licence, they could receive an unlimited fine or the person responsible be sent to prison.
The new law seeks to tackle the low-welfare, high volume supply of puppies and kittens, by banning their commercial third-party sale.
Trading Standards recommend:
Buy from a reputable and recommended dealer. Consider the Kennel Club Assured breeder scheme.
Always view the puppy with its mother and siblings, where it has been bred.
Ask to see the health test certificates for the puppy’s parents and the puppy’s vaccination documentation.
Be prepared to wait for the puppy you want. Be very wary of anyone claiming they can provide a puppy quickly.
Never pay for a puppy in advance.
Never agree to meet the seller anywhere other than where the puppy is kept.
Do not allow the seller to deliver the puppy to your home
Beware of anyone offering a puppy at a ‘too good to be true’ price
To report puppy scams contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.
