The mental image of a puppy with a gift bow under the Christmas tree may be adorable, but the reality behind it is far more gruesome – and
Despite the decades old message that ‘ far too many members of the public still buy puppies on impulse, online and from unscrupulous breeder, as Christmas presents. Many of the pups bought over the Christmas period find themselves in rescues, pounds or in the streets once the realities of dog ownership set in; others become gravely ill as soon as they arrive in their new home, causing heartbreak to the well-meaning members of the public who bought them.
Last week, the Scottish SPCA exhibited at The Scottish Parliament to highlight their Pet Aid initiative against the puppy trade – which is worth an estimated £13million every year in Scotland alone.
“The Society has seen calls treble to its animal helpline this year compared to last from people who are no longer in a position to care for their animal due to the cost of living crisis,” a SSPCA statement reads. “Demand for puppies has decreased and there are now significant welfare concerns as to what happens to those mums and pups that are already in the supply chain.”
Kirsteen Campbell, Scottish SPCA chief executive, added, “Although the low-welfare trade in puppies has slowed due to the ending of lockdown and the cost-of-living crisis we know that unscrupulous breeders are still out there targeting unsuspecting members of the public. We have seized puppies as recently as two weeks ago from low-welfare dealers.
“This trade coupled with the fact that relinquishments of animals is so high and our centres are currently at capacity means we need the public to really think if they can support an animal for their whole life before they go down the route of purchasing one. We would always encourage the public to adopt don’t shop.”
The charity has issued advice to anyone considering buying a puppy.
“Trafficked pups often look fine when they are purchased, but problems will begin to show at a later stage. We want to remind anyone looking to buy a puppy to please follow the advice on the If you have purchased a puppy that shows any signs of illness or distress take them to a vet immediately.