BRITAIN’S PUPPY BOOM: COUNTING THE COST

BBC1, 10.35pm

Hands up if you bought a puppy over lockdown? Or know someone who did?

The pandemic triggered a boom in demand – particularly for three breeds, bullies, Frenchies and dachshunds. But the problem is that people are beginning to breed these popular dog breeds, often without proper training, in order to make an absolute fortune.

Prices for puppies have skyrocketed, with one pup costing anything from £1,000 to £30,000.

In this eye-opening film, vet Fabian Rivers, above, questions whether the boom in buying and breeding is causing an animal welfare crisis.

He says: “I’m seeing a worrying rise in serious health issues in some of Britain’s most popular breeds.”