RSPCA names London as UK's puppy farm hotspot as figures reveal huge increase in calls

The RSPCA said the number of calls about puppy farms has increased by 122 per cent from five years ago with more calls made in the capital than anywhere else
Sickening: RSPCA say calls made about the puppy trade show the industry is becoming more prevalent
Jamie Bullen4 December 2015

More calls about the puppy trade have been made in London than anywhere else in the UK as figures suggest the "sickening" trade is on the increase.

Statistics released by the RSPCA show 3,232 calls have been received so far this year in regards to the puppy trade, which encompasses farms, dealers and traffickers, an increase of 122 per cent from five years ago.

In London, 262 calls were made last year, about eight per cent of the total amount.

The next hotspot is Manchester with 209 calls.

In October, the charity launched a campaign to scrap the puppy trade warning huge numbers of sick, under-age and dying puppies were being illegally trafficked into the UK each year.

Animal rights campaigners say farms can house up to 200 bitches, used to breed puppies as quickly as possible before they are sold on by "irresponsible" dealers to make huge profits.

RSPCA assistant director of public affairs David Bowles said: “These statistics just go to show the number of reports we receive are on the up just as the number of puppy farms and dealers increase.

“For dealers - these puppies are easy money - we believe they buy them in from Ireland and the continent for around £100 and then sell them on the internet for many hundreds, even thousands of pounds.

Top ten puppy trade hotspots (Based on calls made between January 1, 2014 and December 31 2014)

London - 262

Manchester - 209

Durham - 157

West Midlands - 148

Essex - 134

Cheshire - 123

Kent - 115

West Yorkshire - 107

South Yorkshire - 99

Staffordshire - 95

“Dealers buy puppies in bulk looking for the highest profit margin.

“Often the puppies are too young to be away from their mothers and are sick when they are loaded onto vans, before travelling hundreds of miles which is likely to be incredibly stressful and could exacerbate any disease they already have.

“A lack of socialisation also increases their chances of long-term behavioural problems.

“These people are gambling with the lives of not just these puppies - but the dogs they are bred from too and they are playing with the emotions of people and families who take them on as pets.

“It is clear the present legislation is not working and that this sickening trade needs to be stopped.”

In October, London vets said they are treating dozens of young dogs every year that have come from irresponsible breeders.

The puppies suffer illnesses associated with unhygienic conditions and genetic disorders linked to inbreeding.

For information about the RSPCA campaign visit here.

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