Dogs Trust Glasgow have issued a warning for those looking to buy a puppy this festive season as criminal gangs look to cash in on the peak period for pet purchasing.
The charity has warned that puppies aren't gifts but has also issued advice for anyone who is looking to add a new member to their family this Christmas.
Anyone looking for a new furry friend should be extremely wary if they aren't able to see the pup's mum at home, avoid rushing into things and do their research on each breed and look out for online adverts where you can buy a puppy at the click of a button.
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Sandra Downie, Rehoming centre manager said: “It’s very easy, especially when you’re looking for a puppy, to make decisions with your heart. But this is exactly the trap smugglers want you to fall into.
"Unknowingly buying a smuggled puppy could have very real consequences for the owner too. The puppy might be too young to have been legally imported or have health issues that you don’t necessarily notice until too late.
“If we don’t crack down on puppy smuggling soon, our fear is that it will continue causing suffering and misery for so many dogs. We are urging the Government to progress the Kept Animals Bill through Parliament as a priority, to introduce vital protections for pets and bring an end to this barbaric trade.”
More than 2,000 puppies have been seized at the UK border and taken into Dogs Trust’s care as part of its Puppy Pilot scheme since it launched in 2015 – an estimated equivalent market value of over £3m .
The scheme provides quarantine and support for puppies seized at ports until they can go to loving new homes. Seizing and rehoming these puppies helps to take money out of the pockets of the illegal importers.
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