In Scotland, online puppy sales rise amid animal welfare concerns

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In Scotland, online puppy sales rise amid animal welfare concerns

13 November 2019
News
Scottish dog-lovers are being warned to check carefully before buying a pet online amid growing concerns about animal welfare.

One in five puppies bought online get sick or die in their first year, while sales in Scotland rose by 25% last year, according to the Kennel Club. 

Buyers are being urged to make three "puppy checks" before agreeing a sale. 

The Scottish government has said it will introduce laws to regulate the sale of young animals next year.

Almost half of all dogs in Scotland are bought online and just over a quarter come from an approved breeder.

In the run up to Christmas, buyers are being asked to check for warning signs of illegally-bred puppies, particularly online, where the majority of these dogs are sold.

The checks include asking to see the puppy's mother and paperwork such as vaccination certificates. Potential buyers are also warned against trying to rescue puppies from illegal or dangerous situations.

Instead, the Buy a Puppy Safely campaign is urging people to "look beyond cute", walk away from the sale and phone the Scottish SPCA.