| Puppies for sale are big business, both in the UK and | | | | often be shortened by the diseases and parasites |
| abroad. But if you are thinking of spending hundreds | | | | they contracted in the squalid conditions of their first |
| of pounds on a pedigree pooch, please reconsider! | | | | weeks. There will be a heavy financial and emotional |
| The 2009 Dogs Trust survey confirms that a | | | | cost to you, the new owner. |
| shocking 107,228 stray and abandoned dogs were | | | | Not convinced your puppy originated from a farm? If |
| collected from the streets of the United Kingdom last | | | | you bought him from the internet, a classified |
| year. Despite large-scale efforts by animal welfare | | | | newspaper ad, a pet shop or superstore, these are |
| charities and local councils, on average 12 stray and | | | | the outlets supplied by farms. Papers are falsified. |
| abandoned dogs an hour are now handled by local | | | | And even if you bought your pooch from a |
| authorities. | | | | 'respectable' breeder, you have to wonder how |
| According to the report, each hour: | | | | respectable they really are considering the |
| > 5 dogs are reunited with their owners | | | | information above. Money before morals! |
| > 3 are taken to charities | | | | Dog rescue centers nationally are overflowing with |
| > 1 is moved from the kennels Local Authority | | | | happy and affectionate dogs hoping for a second |
| > 2 are in kennels for their period of detention of | | | | chance. It is a myth that rescue dogs are dangerous |
| seven days | | | | and aggressive. These dogs arrive at the pound for |
| > 1 dog is put to sleep | | | | all kinds of reasons and many have excellent |
| So of the 107,228 dogs collected last year, about | | | | personalities. They come in all breeds and ages. |
| 9,000 remained unclaimed and were put to sleep for | | | | Furthermore, they will have been assessed by |
| lack of a home. Despite these sobering figures, dogs | | | | experienced dog handlers who can tell you all about |
| continue to be over-bred and farmed to meet | | | | their temperament and perfect home. |
| consumer demand for pedigree puppies. Massive | | | | Far too many animals are bred for a quick profit and |
| profits are involved and dogs will suffer and die until | | | | sold without any regard for their future health and |
| we change the way we 'shop' for our pets. | | | | happiness. With so many wonderful dogs facing |
| Puppy farms are cruel and terrifying places for all | | | | death in the UK and abroad each year, please |
| animals involved. The mother will sit in the same small | | | | consider re-homing a rescue dog when looking for |
| kennel for years until she becomes too old and | | | | your new canine friend. |
| surplus to requirements. The puppies' life span will | | | | |