THE TRUTH BEHIND THOSE PEDIGREE PUPPIES

As more dogs than ever are illegally brought into the UK in time for Christmas, buyers are urged to consider adoption…

Cramped in C tiny cages and forced to travel for up to 30 hours without food or water, it’s estimated that thousands of puppies are cruelly smuggled into the UK every year. Many of the animals are too young to be taken away from their mothers – with some just three weeks old when they are brought into the country. But the demand for so-called “designer dogs” has resulted in a booming multimillion pound puppy-selling business, leading to inhumane breeding conditions.

And now, with Christmas approaching, the UK’S leading dog welfare charity warns the problem will only get worse. Paula Boyden, veterinary director of Dogs Trust, says, “Sadly, many people still see puppies as presents and there is a high demand for ‘cute’ breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs and dachshunds – which can cost up to £1,400 each. Accidentally buying an illegally imported puppy could also end up costing thousands of pounds in veterinary bills and emotional heartache if the puppy falls ill or even dies.”

INFECTIONS & BURNS

Paula continues, “Puppies being smuggled into the UK are bred in barren conditions. Most of the dogs come from central and eastern Europe and their journeys are awful. There’s no temperature control in the vehicles and, unsurprisingly, the animals can become ill.”

Following an undercover investigation by the Dogs Trust this time last year, among the hundreds of puppies intercepted at the UK border were seven Cane Corsos with infected wounds and three English bulldogs suffering from urine burns and severe skin infections. And this year, after another investigation, the charity discovered that not only were underage puppies being smuggled into the country, but heavily pregnant bitches were forced to travel over 1,000 miles across Europe, too. Yet still not enough is being done to stop this shocking trade.

LITTLE DETERRENT

Paula explains, “Security checks at ports are not thorough enough and often dogs aren’t even seen before they cross the border. Smugglers know it’s unlikely they will be caught. And, even if they are, the maximum sentence is just three months in prison – while smuggling cigarettes carries a sentence of seven years. We’re seeing no decline in the number of puppies being smuggled into the country as there is little deterrent.”

Dogs Trust is asking people to consider adoption and to raise the issue with their MP (visit puppysmuggling.org.uk) by sending an email urging them to consider how we tighten the laws to protect our dogs. Also, remember, “A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas”. In the past year, Closer has helped 11 dogs find loving homes. If you think you can adopt a dog, please call Dogs Trust on 0300 303 0292, or visit Dogstrust.org.uk.