Who to avoid...
No balaclavas or swag bags to help you, sadly! In fact, many involved are otherwise normal people, living in nice houses with reassuring families, but that does not detract from their involvement in the illegal pup business, no matter how genuine they may appear.
Are they Licensed?
The new animal welfare legislation of 2018 made it very simple for buyers to recognise properly regulated breeding professionals. Effectively, EVERY seller of pups in England should have a Breeding Licence from their Local Authority, and display it in their premises and on their website. The Local Authority have done the hard work for you, so the message is simple; if they don't have a Licence, don't visit! Most online platforms for marketing pups have a filter so that you can see only the pups from Licensed breeders - use it and be sure to see only the #goodpuppeople
"if they don't have a Licence, don't visit!"
Buying A Pup Responsibly
Like so many other features of modern society, selling pups has been heavily targeted by criminals, ranging from widespread tax evasion through to international pup farming and trafficking. This is a simple guide to ensure that your new canine friend is from a legitimate source and, importantly, that you are not supporting the illicit dog trade.
Are they Assured?
As well as a Licence, some professional breeders may also be part of the Assured Breeder Scheme (ABS) run by The Kennel Club (KC). Independently assessed by UKAS, members maintain the very highest standards of animal welfare, including stringent breed specific health testing. The KC website offers pups by breed, and ABS members are identified like this.
What about price?
An interesting question. Firstly, you get what you pay for! Secondly, it depends how you look at it. If cheapness is the overriding priority, then this article is meaningless. However, if animal welfare and peace of mind are of value, and for most they are, remember that Licensed breeders have the considerable added costs of being regulated, not to mention paying tax, and probably VAT, on their sales. If we want to stop puppy farming in the UK, for good, supporting the #goodpuppeople is the way forward.
