A dog is for life, not just for Christmas say council

PEOPLE pondering the purchase of a puppy as a present are asked to remember “a dog is for life not just for Christmas” as well as being warned of criminal canine traders.

While buying pets as festive gifts is generally discouraged, county trading standards officers say if people insist on getting a puppy, particularly a pedigree, they should only use reputable breeders.

Nationally, officers have found an increase in complaints about puppies being imported illegally into the UK from Eastern Europe.

These animals may be in poor health or have other problems which mean they often do not survive for long, they need expensive veterinary treatment or they have to be put in quarantine at cost to the new owner.

Councillor Joe Orson, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for trading standards said: “If you are thinking of buying a puppy, we urge potential buyers to make sure they don’t support the illegal puppy trade by purchasing from unlicensed breeders ‘puppy farms’, dealers or importers. Their priority is profit rather than the health and welfare of the puppies.”

As people turn to the internet to buy pets online sales have increasingly been exploited by illegal operators.

Trading standards advice is to always see the mother with its offspring, check our relevant health and registration certificates, don’t buy from pet shops or anywhere else apart from where the dogs are kept and be prepared to be put on a waiting list - a healthy animal is worth it.