Investigating Puppy Farming

The organised, large-scale illegal puppy farming business is flourishing.

Our investigators have years of experience in investigating puppy farming, having achieved high conviction rates for unlicensed breeding and animal welfare offences.

What is puppy farming?

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Photo by David Clarke on Unsplash

Illegal puppy farming involves breeding puppies in poor conditions and selling them through various means, often involving third-party dealers. These criminal networks prioritise profit over the welfare of the animals, leading to significant cruelty and health issues for the puppies.

Puppies bred in illegal farms often suffer from numerous health and behavioural issues due to the poor conditions they are raised in. They are frequently kept in cramped, dirty environments with inadequate food, water, and medical care. The breeding dogs, especially the mothers, endure constant pregnancies with little rest, leading to severe physical and psychological stress.

These puppies are often separated from their mothers too early, depriving them of essential maternal care and socialization. This early separation can cause long-term behavioural problems and anxiety. Additionally, many of these puppies are sold without proper vaccinations, leading to serious illnesses that can sometimes be fatal.

In response to these issues, the UK introduced “Lucy’s Law” in April 2020. This legislation bans the third-party sale of puppies and kittens, meaning that prospective pet owners must buy directly from breeders or adopt from rescue centres. This law aims to improve transparency and ensure that animals are bred and raised in humane conditions​.

Despite these laws, illegal puppy farming continues to be a significant problem. Enforcement is challenging, and illegal breeders often find ways to circumvent regulations.

Illegal Puppy Farming: Smuggling and importation

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Undercover footage of international puppy smugglers taken by Animal Welfare Investigations Project at Polish puppy markets

Puppy smuggling into the UK from Eastern Europe and other countries has become a significant issue, exacerbated by high demand for certain dog breeds. Smugglers often exploit legal loopholes and abuse pet travel schemes to bring in puppies in poor conditions, leading to severe welfare concerns for the animals and unsuspecting buyers.

Puppies smuggled from these countries often endure horrific conditions. They are typically separated from their mothers at an extremely young age, often younger than the legal minimum age of 15 weeks. These young puppies are transported over long distances in cramped, unsanitary conditions, leading to significant stress and health issues. Many arrive in the UK unvaccinated, suffering from diseases, and in poor overall health. There have been cases where puppies were found covered in oil or suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition upon arrival​.

Unscrupulous sellers deceive consumers by presenting these puppies as being bred in the UK. They often use fake documentation and staged environments to mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing a healthy, well-cared-for pet. This deception results in many buyers taking home sick puppies, leading to emotional distress and significant veterinary costs​.

The Animal Welfare Investigations Project has specifically investigated puppy markets in Poland, uncovering the grim realities of how these puppies are bred and transported.

How to report puppy farming

The Animal Welfare Investigations Project conducts investigations into puppy farming across England and Wales. Our skilled investigators work closely with puppy buyers, gather witness statements, and consult with veterinary experts.

If you have purchased a sick puppy and believe you have been a victim of puppy farming, you can report the incident to us securely using our online form. While we may not always be able to take immediate action, every report is carefully reviewed and could assist in future efforts to combat puppy farming.