Misery for sale in Perth

September 24 2009

RSPCA WA has been made aware of unscrupulous ‘puppy breeders’ in Perth who are selling diseased young animals. In a number of cases, puppies - just weeks old - are dying of parvovirus within days of being sold.

We are advising people looking to buy a puppy to practice common sense and guard against these rogue breeders who are profiteering from disease, misery and death. 

RSPCA spokesman, Richard Barry said: “Make no mistake these people will sell you a dying puppy without a second thought and catching them is difficult so we are appealing to the public to be alert to any signals that something is not right with the puppies or the breeder.  

“If you were going to buy a car, you would insist on service papers, do the same if you are buying a puppy. Insist on vaccination papers and ask to see the puppy’s mother.

“Prospective dog owners should be especially vigilant for parvovirus, an aggressive viral disease which is lethal to puppies.”

The RSPCA recommends all prospective dog owners follow three basic steps when buying a puppy from breeders.

1. Visit the site where the puppy was born to check the standard of living conditions for care, cleanliness and space
2. See the mother to check its temperament and health
3. Ask about health checks including worming and vaccination papers

“If any of these requests are met with resistance by the breeder, they have something to hide, so please don’t buy the puppy.”

Please read:

The Smart Puppy Buyer's Guide