where do pups come from? responsible breeders?

foreign_correspondent

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=b6HvEFNI2cg

This is footage from a BBC Wales documentory this week, examining welsh puppy farming - these guys sell pups via the big UK pup superstores and through the small ads, internet dog ad pages etc. If you buy a dog frm these sources they may well have come from here.

Of course, if you ask, they will probably tell you the pups were born in their kitchen, and the mum is a family pet - or whatever you want to hear, basically - however, sadly very often the puppy farm is the reality.

For anyone who is thinking of getting a pup, please look at this first. Apart from the welfare issues, a pup from one of these places is unlikely to be fit and well, physically and mentally (so many of the breeding b1tches are dislaying serious stress - circling and pacing, or look scared)

So many litters are being born into rescue at the moment, and so many dogs young and old are desperately seeking homes - please support the rescues and not these charlatans.

Hawthorn

I watched all three of these. It is heartbreaking.

gone4gold62

this cruelty needs to be stopped now

foreign_correspondent

consumer power is what will stop it - if they dont make money you can be sure they wont keep breeding dogs.

...but - these are all "registered breeders" remember - so when buying a pup do not think being registered is any sort of safeguard.

Hawthorn

My fear (and this is probably ignorance talking) What happens to these dogs if nobody buys them?

My friend a few years back, bought a pup from what she thought was a reputable breeder. When they went to pick her up, the pup was very ill, covered in diarrhoea that had dried on her, and in a really sorry state. They fixed her up again, and she's now doing well.
She could have not taken the pup, but then what would have happened to her?
What needs to happen is the authorities need to clamp down on this. Anything like this found, the dogs need to go to shelters, and these people need to get hefty fines/prison sentences.
Also, they should have their assets seized, and made to pay for the dogs until they are well again, behavioural issues sorted out, and rehomed.

It will probably never happen, but it bloomin well should.

SUMMER

I watched all three... totally disgusting what a shame for thoses dogs and some still managed to wag their tails ... totally heartbreaking ..

foreign_correspondent

Personally, I think it must be a hard decision to make if you go to get a pup and its in such a bad state you feel sorry for it - but ultimately they gave the breeder money and an incentive to have another litter, who will probably also have suffered.

Perhaps they could have not taken the pup, or taken it and cancelled the cheque (I would probably go for this option personally - although I could not recommend it to anyone else as I think it could be a bit illegal) - either way I would be ringing the RSPCA straight away.

foreign_correspondent

SUMMER wrote: »

I watched all three... totally disgusting what a shame for thoses dogs and some still managed to wag their tails ... totally heartbreaking ..

I agree, its pretty dismal - and its worth remembering this is from a BBC documentary not some 'crank' pressure group!!

I could not believe the little dog with damaged/deformed front legs was still being bred from, and had such a waggy tail - looked desperate for some affection.

Who would think that was a good specimin to breed from? - and how unfair on the little dog.

Hawthorn

I think they did ring the RSPCA foreign Correspondent. I'm not sure what happened with that though, or if they even kept them informed.
It's such a tough choice to make.

You know, watching those videos, I had my own girl sat next to me. I don't know what those dogs on there were communicating with their barks, but she didn't like it. Whimpered a lot and even now she's still antsy. Her tail was between her legs too, which is unlike her. Normally at the sound of another dog it's into 'playtime' mode.

foreign_correspondent

yes, I had to switch the sound off - my dog was really bothered by it too - looking very anxious and standing very alert with her ears up and head cocked - other doggy noises do not have the same effect and she is generally very chilled - she loved 'one man and his dog the other day'!!

I think the bottom line is sadly if you buy a pup from them you just make space for another to take its sorry place.

Buttonmoons

Oh that is awful, I too couldn't believe some dogs tails were still wagging, the poor things. Those sorry looking labs almost had me in tears, they weren't sure weather to come near or back away.

Can't believe people find it acceptable to house them in that conditions, poo all over the floor where their food is. No wonder all the pups and dogs get ill!