puppy

The RSPCA is reporting an upturn in the number of “designer breeds” such as French bulldogs and Pugs being abandoned. Becoming fashionable can have dire consequences for a breed, for as more people choose to buy a puppy of a specific breed, more people will sadly choose not to keep the dog long-term. Some of the unfortunate dogs who are cast aside by their owners end up being taken in by the RSPCA.

In 2016 the charity rescued several Pugs and French bulldogs who had been abandoned. Here are some of their stories:

Poor Petunia

Friends of mine who live outside of the UK has taken on a foster puppy. It has been delightful to their photos and video of the delightful puppy going at life full tilt in the way puppies usually do. Except of course that bearing in mind the fate of many dogs in this particular country, this puppy is lucky to be having such a carefree start to life with the promise of a happy adulthood.

Scottish National Party MP Dr Lisa Cameron (East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) proposed the debate in Westminster Hall on ‘Welfare of young dogs bred for sale’.

Opening the debate, she told MPs: “This issue has cross-party support… and widespread public support.

“We are here fundamentally to represent our constituents, not to enable big businesses trading in puppy maltreatment. Action, and not merely words, is required.”

RSPCA report reveals buyers are turning to other sources to fulfil their desire for certain breeds of dogs

The root cause of the puppy farming problem is the huge demand for puppies of certain breeds, an RSPCA report has revealed.

The demand for pups - particularly popular ‘designer’ breeds - drastically outweighs the numbers coming to market via legitimate and responsible sources, such as reputable breeders and rescue centres.

The number of designer crossbreeds coming into RSPCA centres is on the rise.

The RSPCA has had an influx of fashionable dog breeds and ‘designer’ crossbreeds arriving at its national centres.

The worrying trend reflects an increasing demand for specific breeds which the charity is seeing within the puppy market and which is the focus of its latest campaign.

Sadly, these popular breeds and crossbreeds can later be abandoned or are not cared for properly.

Tens of thousands of people have signed RSPCA petition calling on Westminster government to introduce mandatory licensing for anyone selling puppies

Just three months ago, the RSPCA launched a national campaign to tackle the puppy trade in England.

The main aim of the Scrap the Puppy Trade campaign is to encourage the government to introduce laws in England to combat puppy dealers selling sick and dying puppies.

The RSPCA launched its campaign in October along with a petition which has since been signed by 50,000 people.

RSPCA launches #ScrapThePuppyTrade campaign to bring in laws to protect puppies from callous and cruel puppy dealers
Puppies are being treated worse than scrap metal, according to the RSPCA which today launched a petition calling on the UK Government to clamp down on people selling sick dogs in England.

Due to its low cost, low risk and high yield appeal, puppy dealing is an attractive option for people willing to make money at the expense of puppies’ health and welfare and the heartache of families up and down the country.