Are you aware? better awareness will help you to make better decisions on where to buy puppies from. Let's end backstreet breeding, together.
Used, abused, and then tossed away, these dogs are victims of backstreet breeding. Relentless breeding in dirty, squalid conditions takes place all over the UK, so Battersea has today launched a major campaign calling for a clampdown on the many undercover dog breeders that profit from the cruel treatment of these animals.
Think twice about how you buy a dog.
The world famous animal charity is calling for a ban on the sale of puppies under eight weeks old and the introduction of a breeding license requirement for any household producing two or more litters per year.Claire Horton, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Chief Executive said: “Battersea is speaking out to help expose and shame the callous breeders in our communities who are creating far too many unhealthy, unwanted and abandoned dogs all in the name of personal profit.
“At Battersea we see the consequences of this problem every day, with strays coming through our doors, many of whom show signs of inbreeding and others that have been used to produce countless litters before being turfed out on the street.
“These puppies and breeding bitches are often tomorrow’s status dogs and we must put an end to such inhumane, money-making activities.”
Dogs used for backstreet breeding are forced to lead a miserable life. They are frequently kept in cramped, uncomfortable conditions, are often never exercised and used to produce litter after litter, with no thought for their health. Exhausted and under socialised, these dogs are all too often thrown onto the streets once they have served their purpose.
Marjorie, a two-year-old Bulldog, arrived at Battersea as a stray in November 2014. She was bald in places, unable to sit down due to a prolapsed womb, had long curled claws, withdrawn and showing obvious signs of overbreeding. After a lot of care and dedication from the staff at Battersea, Marjorie began to come out of her shell, showing an affectionate nature and despite her miserable start in life she will get a second chance to go to a caring, loving home she so deserves.
Unfortunately, not all of these dogs will be as lucky as Marjorie. Savannah, a four-year-old Bull Mastiff, was another stray that came to the charity last year, also showing signs of overbreeding. She had been beaten by her previous owners and did not know how to socialise or get on with other dogs. Despite all of the help she received from Battersea, this poor dog had already been through so much that nothing more could be done for Savannah and sadly she had to be put to sleep.
Battersea Ambassador Paul O’Grady is supporting the campaign and says:
“I’ve seen first-hand the poor, damaged dogs in Battersea’s kennels that have been bred from over and over again. It sickens me to think what these dogs go through before they’re dumped on the streets broken and unloved. The awful thing is that, backstreet breeders are everywhere lining their pockets from the demand for puppies. If there’s one thing we can all do it’s to make sure we think about where we’re getting a puppy from. Visit a rescue center or a registered breeder and help Battersea end backstreet breeding.”