PetRescue applauds ACA expose on newspaper puppies

Advocacy website Where do puppies come from? created to promote awareness amongst pet buyers of dog farming practices, applauds A Current Affair Perth for drawing attention to the dangers of buying puppies from newspapers.

The group says that a huge number of pets produced and sold en masse through newspapers, pet stores and over the internet are produced in battery-farm situations and are a time bomb of health and behaviour problems, which can cost new owners thousands.

“Dog training experts have long warned against people buying puppies from puppy farmers” says Vickie Davy, the website spokesperson. “Because these puppies are produced in bulk, neither their long term physical or behavioural health is properly cared for. This can lead to aggression, timidity or separation anxiety and cause enormous problems for the dog, its new family and the community.”

A recent Choice Magazine report on puppy purchases, warned people to be extremely cautious when purchasing puppies from unregistered breeders to avoid common health problems.

“Unlike pedigree dogs, these (designer dogs) are not considered ‘breeds’ because they’re not registered with the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) and the breeders aren’t scrutinised for their breeding practices. This is why buyers should be extremely careful when purchasing a hybrid puppy.”

But “Where do puppies come from?" says there are 3 simple ways to avoid unscrupulous and profit motivated breeders.

1. Never buy puppies without meeting the parent dogs
Ask to visit the breeder personally and see how the dogs live. Meet the parent dogs of your puppy - they should be happy-go-lucky and good with visitors (because you want that in your new dog!).

2. Recognise the first 7 weeks are crucial for puppy development
Modern dogs are required to be incredibly adaptable – to be friendly with strangers, not chase the cat, avoid the vacuum cleaner, listen to directions, toilet outside and tolerate children. Developing puppies should be in a family environment and not a kennel or farm.

3. Buying a new puppy should feel like an adoption
Good breeders care about their pups for their entire lives and should ask you questions about your lifestyle. If the only check is whether or not your credit card clears, you’re not dealing with someone reputable.

Wherever possible the group recommends rescuing a pet. The easiest way to avoid bad breeders is to adopt one of the hundreds of pets are available in shelters across Perth. Rescue groups match pets to owners and offer continuous support over the life of the animal.

Visit Where do puppies come from? for more information

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