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Check seller’s credentials before buying a puppy
30/07/2021
A pandemic boom in dog ownership hasn’t been matched by an increase in local licenced dealers
If you’re thinking of getting a puppy make sure you avoid unscrupulous online dealers. That’s the warning from Cherwell District Council after a rise in the number of animals being sold via social media.
The council is warning pet lovers to carefully choose who they do business with.
There’s been a pandemic boom in dog ownership. Whilst the law states that anyone dealing dogs for profit must have a licence, Cherwell District Council has only taken one application from a dog breeder during the pandemic.
Across the UK local authorities have found instances of price hiking and substantial non-refundable deposits being charged by dog dealers, aimed at exploiting the rising demand.
Councillor Andrew McHugh, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Millions of UK households have purchased dogs during the pandemic. At the same time, we are witnessing a trend towards dealing pets through social media.
“As a licensing authority that leaves us with some significant concerns. Sellers need a licence even if their business is based at home or they sell animals online.
“If you are buying a puppy on the strength of a brief interaction with someone you have met online, you have no guarantee that the dealer has been following the law, or indeed that the puppy has not been stolen.
“It is a criminal offence to sell puppies without the necessary licence. On the other hand, if customers buy from a licensed dealer, they will have been inspected by our environmental health officers to ensure they meet welfare standards. Breeders need to display their licence at their place of business, and residents can also check whether they are licensed on the council’s website.”
The Animal Welfare Regulations 2018 were introduced to address the increase in online sales of puppies by unlicensed breeders, and to make sure that anyone undertaking these activities meets the same minimum welfare standards.
The licensing system also ensures that dogs have received their appropriate vaccines.
Cllr McHugh added: “Looking after a pet is rewarding and a source of comfort and solace for anyone struggling with social isolation but those benefits come with a responsibility to make sure that those pets, in turn, are well cared for.
“Sadly, there are some animal dealers out there who are keeping puppies in dirty, unsanitary and confined conditions. Don’t hand over your money to someone making profits from animal abuse. Use a licenced dealer.”
People can check whether companies are licensed to care for or trade animals on Cherwell’s animal welfare star rating register.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam