Charity warns of ‘ barbaric’ puppy smugglers and issues warning

A GLASGOW charity has urged people not to buy puppies for Christmas after claiming that smugglers are flooding the market with ‘ illegally imported’ breeds.

According to Dogs Trust Glasgow, more than 2000 pooches worth an estimated market value of over £ 3 million have been seized at the UK border since the launch of its Puppy Piot Scheme in 2015.

Dachshunds, Bichons and Pomeranians are said to be amongst the top breeds seized in the lead- up to Christmas.

Furthermore, it is reported that more than 130 pregnant dogs have been seized since 2017 bearing close to 600 puppies which were due to be sold to UK buyers.

With the holiday season in full swing, charity bosses have warned that purchasing a puppy as a gift is “never a good idea” and urged animal lovers to avoid shopping online for pets.

Sandra Downie, rehoming centre manager, said: “It’s very easy, especially when you’re looking for a puppy, to make decisions with your heart.

“But this is exactly the trap smugglers want you to fall into. Unknowingly buying a smuggled puppy could have very real consequences for the owner too.

“The puppy might be too young to have been legally imported or have health issues that you don’t necessarily notice until too late.”

To combat the issue, Dogs Trust is calling on the UK Government to allow the Animal Welfare ( Kept Animals) Bill to pass through the parliamentary process.

This Bill includes the provision of new powers enabling the Government to introduce measures via secondary legislation to tackle the abuses of the Pet Travel Scheme ( PETS).

Downie continued: “If we don’t crack down on puppy smuggling soon, our fear is that it will continue causing suffering and misery for so many dogs.

“We are urging the Government to progress the Kept Animals Bill through Parliament as a priority, to introduce vital protections for pets and bring an end to this barbaric trade.”