The change in guidance follows concerns that the coronavirus crisis is contributing to an increase in puppy farms after a huge rise in the prices of popular breeds since March. Average prices have risen by up to 89% as demand has soared.
The two charities had previously told buyers it was acceptable, during lockdown, to view puppies by video. However, now that non-essential travel is allowed, they say it is vital that buyers visit the seller’s home to avoid handing over large sums of money to unscrupulous dog breeders.
Put a ball in your dog's food bowl if he or she eats too fast. They be forced to move the ball around to get to all the food.
Puppies were being bred at scale, separated from their mothers far too young, and transported to scammers who pretend they have bred their family pet, she said.
“Because there is no reason that you cannot now go into someone’s home, provided you use social distancing and following good hygiene practices, you absolutely should be seeing mum there with her litter. If a seller’s saying ‘no, you can’t come into my home’, that should be a concern, that should be making you feel something’s not quite right – and at that point, you should be walking away.”
