Warnings About Buying Puppies From Backstreet Breeders
It's after an increase in the number of unlicensed sellers operating in the East Riding recently.
We're being warned about unlicenced puppy breeders which could be operating in our area over the festive period.
East Riding Council say they've seen an increase in the number of backstreet dog breeders in our region recently.
They're asking anyone who's thinking of buying a puppy this Christmas to make sure they're buying from a proper dealer or rescue centre.
Councillor Jackie Cracknell told Viking FM:
"What we are seeing is a slight increase with people selling puppies and animals from the back of a car and selling them very cheaply. We've got great concerns about this because we don't necessarily know where those animals have come from.
"We've had instances where people have bought from unlicenced dealers, from the back of cars and there has sometimes been issues with those animals. There's also a huge animal welfare problem there too because we, or you, don't know how those animals have been kept or what quality of life they've got.
"These people are breeding dogs for money, they're doing it because they actually want to enhance the breed or they belong to a kennel club, this is purely for financial gain and we just do not know the circumstances those animals have been kept in and how they've been treated."
East Riding of Yorkshire Council's licensing team has issued some advice which suggests ways of avoiding problems and to make sure people buy from reputable breeders.
This advice includes:
- Good breeders will give the buyer a chance to see the puppies in the litter with their mother.
- Checking the seller's licence to ensure the breeder is registered or contact the relevant breed societies.
- Ensuring the puppy comes with the right documentation, such as Kennel Club registration and pedigree papers, plus a vaccination card and advice on when to get any further vaccinations.
- Being given written advice on feeding, worming and flea treatments, as well as diet.
- Visiting the council's website where there is a list of licensed breeders.
The list of licensed breeders in the East Riding can be found at: