Petplan to review breeder registration process
Petplan has now launched a review of its registration process, including ‘certification at initial registration and earlier monitoring of applicants to identify any health issues with their pets’.
Petplan is reviewing the registration process for its breeder scheme after a Mail On Sunday article suggested unscrupulous breeders could be using the scheme to lure buyers.
Following a tip-off from animal welfare campaigners, six journalists attempted to sign up to Petplan’s registered breeder scheme using fake names. Reporters say all of the applications were approved with no questions asked, despite the fact that one registered using the name Cruella de Vil, the villain of 101 Dalmatians.
Breeders registered under the scheme are given 30 days’ free insurance to offer puppy buyers, and are added to PetPlan’s Find a Pet website. Animal welfare groups including the RSPCA and the CARIAD campaign are concerned this could be giving puppy farmers a veneer of respectability.
According to the Mail, breeders on Find a Pet were formerly described as ‘trusted’ on the company’s Facebook page, but this description was removed after the Mail On Sunday contacted Petplan during its investigation. Petplan has now launched a review of its registration process, including ‘certification at initial registration and earlier monitoring of applicants to identify any health issues with their pets’.
Under the firm’s scheme, breeders are already required to adhere to a ‘puppy charter’ to ensure they maintain good standards of welfare and breeding practices. They must have bred the litters themselves, dogs must be healthy and well socialised, and the breeder must not be under investigation by Trading Standards. However, critics say the onus is on breeders to report their own non-compliance.
In a statement, Petplan explained it has a double lock approach to breeder registration - in the initial registration stage, breeders are asked to commit to the Petplan Breeder Charter, then in the second stage the company closely monitors any claims made in the first few weeks as pets settle into their new home.
However, the firm added it is ‘not a regulator, cannot police all breeders and do not endorse the breeders listed on the website.’
The Mail On Sunday said it had learned of at least two cases of criminal puppy farming gangs that were signed up to the Petplan breeder scheme, and a third kennel is still trading and offering the firm’s 30-day free insurance, despite a track record of sick and dying puppies.
Ian Briggs, chief inspector for the RSPCA’s special operations unit, told the newspaper: “Unfortunately, assured and registered breeder schemes are used by unscrupulous puppy breeders and sealers to convince prospective buyers that they are credible and responsible.
“Organisations running such schemes should ensure they carry out necessary checks on the individuals and businesses who sign up so they can be sure they are only endorsing breeders with the highest welfare standards. Schemes not properly monitored are open to abuse by unscrupulous sellers using them to con the public.”
Petplan said it takes allegations against breeders on its scheme very seriously and this can result in them being struck off from the scheme.
The company added: ‘We are keen to play our part alongside many organisations in looking after the welfare of pets including trading standards organisations, the RSPCA and CARIAD, given that there is currently no regulatory body for dog breeders. We welcome the proposed government legislation to tighten up laws around selling pets and breeding dogs.’
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
