Do not support organised crime

[CorvusCorax]

Do your research, make sure you definitely, definitely know where your puppies have come from and ask for proof - who knows what you could be funding, otherwise....a good breeder will not mind lots of questions.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-62412251

Cockapoos and other high-value breeds were seized in the smuggling sting

"Smuggling is often conducted by sophisticated cross-border organised criminal groups.
"Such groups will not discriminate when it comes to the commodity being smuggled - should that be drugs, cigarettes, people or, in this case, animals."

Among the dogs rescued in the operation were golden retrievers, French bulldogs, cockapoos and cocker spaniels.

"Those involved in puppy smuggling do not care about the horrendous impact this type of criminal activity can have both on the animals and on the victims who innocently buy them as family pets."

 

[SilverLinings]

It's unfortunate (although that's not a big enough word really) that there's actually an ongoing market for smuggled/stolen dogs like these, there seems to be far too many buyers who don't look any further than 'is it cute' and 'is it cheap', and that is the full extent of their research before buying.

It's good that the port authorities and police are trying to do something to catch animal smugglers; 50 (now rescue) dogs is a lot to find homes for though, especially as charities seem to be full to bursting at the moment. Hopefully as they are nearly all puppies they won't struggle to be rehomed, and hopefully they are all healthy.

 

[fankino04]

It's mad that there's enough of a market for pet dogs that it appeals to professional smuggling groups, yet rescue centres are bursting at the seams and having to turn dogs down!

 

[Quigleyandme]

Rescue centres could relax their requirements somewhat without in the least compromising animal welfare. They seem to think it preferable for dogs to remain in kennels, a very stressful environment for most, than to be in loving homes with people who work part-time or who don’t live behind an encompassing 9’ chain link fence. Me for instance. If I want a dog I’ll be buying it because I have been turned down flat by rescue centres despite being experienced, in perfect health, active, child free and living on a farm in an idyllic rural location. To a certain extent they are creating the demand for puppy mills, stolen dogs and imports because they are so inflexible. I could foster a child more easily than obtain a rescue dog.

 

[skinnydipper]

moved to another thread.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Do you think the people who want an Insta-friendly Frenchie or Poo NOW would even be considering a rescue centre?

 

[SilverLinings]

Do you think the people who want an Insta-friendly Frenchie or Poo NOW would even be considering a rescue centre?

Not as it would involve the time and effort of filling in paperwork, waiting for the application to be processed, a home visit, visiting the dog, and the possibility that there may not be a suitable poo/frenchie available anyway

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

Rescue centres could relax their requirements somewhat without in the least compromising animal welfare. They seem to think it preferable for dogs to remain in kennels, a very stressful environment for most, than to be in loving homes with people who work part-time or who don’t live behind an encompassing 9’ chain link fence. Me for instance. If I want a dog I’ll be buying it because I have been turned down flat by rescue centres despite being experienced, in perfect health, active, child free and living on a farm in an idyllic rural location. To a certain extent they are creating the demand for puppy mills, stolen dogs and imports because they are so inflexible. I could foster a child more easily than obtain a rescue dog.

Same, even though the dogs are only left for three days a month with 2 visits from the dog walker on those days. They are otherwise not left for more than 4 hours due to my OH’s shifts. No rescue would look at us because we both work full time.

On a related note, I saw a property today that looked to have been a puppy farm, huge amounts of pens. It was in Carmarthenshire, which I hear has the most puppy farms in Wales. ?