One in three puppies bought via farming outlets

The Kennel Club (KC) has released new findings ahead of Puppy Awareness Week, warning that further action is needed to prevent people buying farmed puppies.

It revealed that one in three puppies are bought either online, from pet stores or via newspaper adverts, with nearly a fifth of those bought online dying before they reach six months old.

It also found that the younger generation are the most likely to mail order pups, and those who breed fashionable crossbreeds are most likely to flout responsible breeding.

The figures show that there has been an overall increase by more than 10 per cent in puppies being bought from outlets that are commonly used by puppy farmers in the past year.

Commenting that the nation is "sleepwalking into a dog welfare and consumer crisis", the KC warns that owners are the ones left paying the price, either with long-term veterinary treatment or with their pet's early death.

The club's biggest concern was the growing popularity of puppies bought via websites and social media. As a result, it has released a new online video to help educate potential puppy owners.

"Whilst there is nothing wrong with initially finding a puppy online, it is essential to then see the breeder and ensure that they are doing all of the right things," said KC secretary, Caroline Kisko.

"This research clearly shows that too many people are failing to do this, and the consequences can be seen in the shocking number of puppies that are becoming sick or dying. We have an extremely serious consumer protection and puppy welfare crisis on our hands."

There is currently very little regulation over dog breeders in the country. As a result, a third of people fail to see their puppy with its mum, more than half do not see the breeding environment and 82 per cent are not offered post-sale advice.

"We urge people to always buy a puppy from a member of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, who are the only breeders in the country whose membership is based upon their ability to show that the health and welfare of their pups comes first and foremost," added Caroline.

The KC's Puppy Awareness Week will run from September 7 to 14, with a Pup Aid event being held on the first day. Click here to find out more and view the KC's buying a puppy video.