Puppy farm complaints up by 600 per cent in Staffordshire and Black Country
Complaints about puppy farms across Staffordshire and the Black Country have soared by more than 600 per cent in the last decade, a new report has shown.
The figures, released on August 1 by the RSPCA, the UK’s largest animal welfare charity, reveal complaints about puppy farms in Staffordshire have increased by 694 per cent in the last 10 years and increased by 632 per cent in the West Midlands.
Puppy farms breed dogs continually and often keep the animals in poor conditions.
In 2008, the RSPCA received 17 reports about puppy farms in Staffordshire and 31 in the West Midlands, but by 2018 this had risen to 135 and 227, respectively.
Amy Ockelford, an RSPCA spokeswoman, said: “It’s shocking but, sadly, not surprising to see such a huge increase in the number of reports about the puppy trade being made to the RSPCA.
“The RSPCA continues to investigate complaints, rescue dogs and bring puppy farmers to justice, and we’re extremely pleased that the government has announced new legislation and tougher licensing regulations which will help crack down on the illegal puppy trade.
“We also need the public to play their part by ensuring they only buy puppies responsibly and report any concerns they have about things they see.”
Last year, the charity received 4,357 complaints to its 24-hour emergency hotline about puppy farms in England.
This is an increase of 390 per cent on the 890 reports they received in 2008, as well as being the most calls the charity has ever received in a year about the growing issue.
Lisa Rens, an RSPCA dog welfare expert, encourages families to think carefully before committing to getting a dog and believes rescue dogs should be given more consideration.
She said: “We know there’s a spike in people searching for puppies and buying dogs at the beginning of the school holidays but we’d urge families to carefully consider whether getting a dog is right for them. Dogs are a huge commitment and need lots of time and attention, even once summer is over and kids are back at school.
“If you do have the time and money for a dog then we’d urge you to consider rescuing instead of buying a puppy.
“Not only will this give a rescue dog a chance at finding its forever home, but it’ll also save any potential heartache caused by unwittingly buying a dog from a puppy farm.”
Complaints about puppy farms in England have increased year-on-year over the last 10 years.
Ms Rens added: “The Government has committed to a ban on the third-party sales of puppies and kittens which, alongside tougher licensing conditions, will also help to tackle puppy farms and dodgy dealers.”
By Rebecca Tombs
