Think Carefully Before Buying A Puppy This Christmas

East Riding residents who are thinking of adding a puppy to their home this Christmas are being urged to make sure they are buying from a reputable breeder or rescue centre.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team is advising people not to buy dogs from backstreet breeders who breed for profit and also to take care when buying online or through newspaper adverts.

A healthy dog can provide years of love and fun but a dog with health and/or behavioural issues can lead to it being abandoned.

The licensing team has now issued some advice which suggests ways of avoiding problems and to make sure people are buying from reputable breeders.

This advice includes:

• good breeders will give the buyer a chance to see the puppies in the litter with their mother
• checking the seller’s licence to ensure the breeder is registered or contact the relevant breed societies
• ensuring the puppy comes with the right documentation, such as Kennel Club registration and pedigree papers, plus a vaccination card and advice on when to get any further vaccinations
• being given written advice on feeding, worming and flea treatments, as well as diet
• visiting the council’s website where there is a list of licensed breeders.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for community involvement and partnership, said: “It may seem like a good idea to get a cute puppy as a Christmas present but the reality can be much different, especially if the dog is not in good health or from a puppy farm and has behaviour problems.

“Good breeders do not sell puppies from the back of a vehicle in a car park and it is always better to buy your puppy from the place where they were raised.

“I would really urge people to do their research before buying a puppy, as happy and healthy dogs can provide a lifetime of fun and love.”

Paul Abbott, public protection group services manager, said: “While a new puppy makes a lovely Christmas present, I would encourage people to think about visiting their local rescue centre and giving a home to a dog that is looking for a new owner.”

The list of licensed breeders in the East Riding can be found at here.

There are a number of rescue centres across the East Riding for people who are interested in re-homing a dog.

These include the RSPCA – www.rspca.org; The Dogs Trust – www.dogstrust.org.uk;
Hull Animal Welfare Trust – www.hullanimalwelfare.co.uk
General information can also be found on The Kennel Club’s website – www.kennelclub.org.uk

Anyone with information about unlicensed individuals who are breeding dogs as a business can contact East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team on (01482) 396296; (01482) 396297 or email licensing@eastriding.gov.uk