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Public urged to be wary of puppy farmers as travel restrictions ease
"It's crucial that the general public is clear on how to responsibly buy a puppy, as restrictions ease." Dr Ed Hayes.

Deceitful sellers could 'exploit confusion around pandemic restrictions' says Kennel Club.

The Kennel Club is warning potential pet owners to be wary of puppy farmers as domestic travel restrictions are relaxed across the UK.

Animal welfare organisations have always encouraged puppy buyers to avoid purchasing a dog if the seller offers to deliver it, as this is often a sign that the seller is attempting to hide the poor conditions that the animal is being kept in.

However, as people across the country were instructed to stay at home during the pandemic, emergency guidance allowed breeders to deliver puppies to their new homes in certain situations.

As travel rules are now easing across Great Britain, the Kennel Club has issued a warning around ongoing deliveries and urges potential buyers to collect their puppy themselves.

Dr Ed Hayes, head of policy and public affairs at The Kennel Club, said: “Following a year of confusing and difficult COVID-19 rules for breeders, rescue organisations and potential new owners – alongside a huge demand for dogs – it’s crucial that the general public is clear on how to responsibly buy a puppy, as restrictions ease.”

“If you’re buying a puppy which you’ve found online, travel restrictions across Great Britain now allow you to follow usual responsible puppy buying advice: Do not agree to have your puppy delivered to you or meet half-way. Ask for more than one virtual viewing to see where puppies have been brought up and the litter interacting with mum. Following relevant Covid guidelines, meet the breeder, puppies and mum outdoors ahead of purchase.”

He continued: “Despite Government’s recent crack-down on third-party sales via Lucy’s Law, puppy farmers can still sell directly to the public online, and we have no doubt that they will exploit confusion around pandemic restrictions and the fact that COVID-19 guidance at one point allowed puppy deliveries.”

The organisation is urging the public to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 guidance within their area and to follow its guidance for puppy buyers.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.