Kennel Club in puppy farm alert

As MANY as one in three dog owners could be buying their pet from puppy farmers, the Kennel Club has warned.

Research by the organisation found that of more than 1,000 owners of pedigree, pure-bred, cross-breed and mixed-breed dogs, 14 per cent bought their puppy from a pet shop, 7 per cent used the internet and 16 per cent responded to a local paper advert.

The Kennel Club is warning these outlets can be used by puppy farmers, who breed too many litters from dogs that are kept in bad conditions and whose offspring are likely to suffer ill health and behavioural problems. It is launching a new “stop puppy farming” campaign.