A leading dog charity is warning against “dangerous” impulse puppy buying after new research revealed one in five owners in the east of England may have been duped by rogue breeders.
The analysis, from the Kennel Club, also revealed that nearly a quarter of people in the region acknowledge they would not recognise the warning signs of a rogue breeder.
Many puppy farmed dogs end up with health and behavioural issues due to the terrible conditions in which they are raised.
The research also revealed that 15% of puppy buyers in the east spent less than one hour deciding on their dog - making them an easy target for rogue breeders and puppy farmers as they do not recognise the red flags.
The Kennel Club says these hasty buying habits - which cause many to miss the warning signs or buy a pup simply because they think it's 'cute' - are resulting in serious health and welfare implications.
One in five puppies bought on an impulse get sick or die before their first birthday, while one in three puppy buyers who bought impulsively spent more than they anticipated looking after their puppy's health.
As part of the Kennel Club's Puppy Awareness Week - which runs from August 26 to September 1 - the organisation is warning puppy buyers about making quick or superficial decisions about both the dog they choose and the source they buy it from.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary said: "Millions of puppies are suffering as a result of being irresponsibly bred and sold, and millions of consumers are completely unaware that their buying habits are actually fueling this cruel trade.
"The impact of this is truly devastating and brings with it suffering, heartache and financial problems, all for the profit of rogue breeders and puppy farmers."
Online scams are also a problem, with the Kennel Club urging people to do "extensive research" when buying a puppy.
"A puppy is for life, it's not something you should just search for online, see a cute photo and buy within an hour, having it delivered to your door," Ms Kisko added.
"This is a dangerous trend which is growing with the likes of Instagram, but puppies are not a commodity.
"We are urging people to do proper, careful and extensive research - to make sure the pup is right for you, and that you can spot the signs of a bad breeder.
"The more time you spend, the more aware you will be, and the much more likely you are to bring home a happy, healthy puppy, rather than fueling untold suffering and heartache.
"It is crucial for anyone thinking about getting a dog to go to a responsible breeder, such as a Kennel Club assured breeder, or to a rescue organisation, and to have spent enough time researching to know what to look for."
Visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk for more advice and information.
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