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Post by ladywell on Nov 13, 2012 19:46:27 GMT
Heard 2 awful stories today - first hand - someone came to collect a kitten from us and chatting they said they had bought a Yorkie/Patterdale cross pup for £400  ) - was said to be 8 weeks old - they didn't see see the dam? Turned out pup was only c 5 wks and had a heart murmur and eventually, diagnosed with epilepsy. They spent £1000 on vet's bills and then the dog was put to sleep. All the owner offered was replacement pup. The second story is my cousin bought a pedigree Chihuahua (?sp) which seems to have hip displaysia - she is now paying a huge vet's bill for an investigation and op. I have told them both that they should do something about idot breeders - but what is the correct course of action guys? Grrrr! |
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Post by mountainsandhorses on Nov 13, 2012 19:57:41 GMT
I'm afraid it may be a case of irresponsible dog purchasers. A friend rang an advert about a dg the other week and was asked "which litter/breed are you asking about?" Unless this was a professional outfit who had genuine quality puppies it reeked to me!  I think it is a case of supply and demand- the breeds have evolved over centuries in some cases- the newer cross breeds (and I don't mean the many generation mongrel) have nt had a chance to be evaluated for genetic vigour IMHO |
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Post by Tralala on Nov 13, 2012 20:11:11 GMT
I dont mean to be rude or derogatory but what about idiot buyers?? If people stopped buying from these awful breeders/puppy farms there would be no call for them to continue breeding rubbish!! Websites like Epupz dont help as any old person can advertise on there.
Always research your breed thoroughly before even considering getting a puppy, then you at least know what type of health checks the Mum and Dad should have undertaken before they are even bred from, as well as puppy health checks. Always see the pups with at least the Mother, and ask to see health certificates (ie hip scores, patella and eye checks, etc), if not walk away!!!! If buying a pedigree puppy only buy through a KC accredited breeder. Good breeders also provide 4 weeks immediate cover free insurance, at least one vacc, microchipping, lifetime advice and a puppy pack. If you dont know what you are looking for dont buy, simples!
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Post by ladywell on Nov 13, 2012 20:21:18 GMT
I totally agree with both of you - but there lots of people out there who are not 'animal aware' and these irresponsible 'breeders' are taking advantage of them.
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Post by busymare on Nov 13, 2012 20:33:45 GMT
Kennel club campaign for anyone interested: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/stoppuppyfarmingTheir research suggests many people are not taking the basic precautions you would expect (in their survey): -only 41% of purchasers saw relevant health test certificates of parents -only 56% saw environment puppy was bred and reared in -only 42% received a contract of sale!!! Buyer beware as always I'm afraid |
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Post by ladywell on Nov 13, 2012 20:42:14 GMT
Thank you for the link busymare - that just about sums up what people should do - my worry is that people who live in urban environments and decide they want to have a pet do not do this sort of research. Neither of the people I spoke today were prepared to take the matter any further.
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Post by sometime on Nov 13, 2012 21:07:22 GMT
It is a real shame that people still put the money into the hands of these unscrupulous breeders but while they are you will never stop them. As to course of action then trading standards would be the first port of call.
It really upsets me when people go out to buy a designer puppy a labradoodle or cockerpoo and dont ask for health checks and hip scores Poodles have a higher rate of hip displasia than labradors so what makes people think they wont get it just because it is a cross between the two
Not judging those that like the resulting puppies but please insist on the correct health check for each parent. You might get luck but you also might end up with a very expensive and in pain pet
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Post by ladywell on Nov 13, 2012 21:37:29 GMT
I agree with you Sunshine. We have bred border collies in the past and barn reared cats - they all go with an advice sheet for the care and the promise that they come back if things don't work out.
I suppose my question is how do we educate people who live in a city environment to ask the right questions when buying a pet? These people are so naive and so don't want to take it any further - until folks do these 'cr*p' breeders will continue to benefit from the naive.
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) - was said to be 8 weeks old - they didn't see see the dam? Turned out pup was only c 5 wks and had a heart murmur and eventually, diagnosed with epilepsy. They spent £1000 on vet's bills and then the dog was put to sleep. All the owner offered was replacement pup. The second story is my cousin bought a pedigree Chihuahua (?sp) which seems to have hip displaysia - she is now paying a huge vet's bill for an investigation and op. I have told them both that they should do something about idot breeders - but what is the correct course of action guys? Grrrr! 
I think it is a case of supply and demand- the breeds have evolved over centuries in some cases- the newer cross breeds (and I don't mean the many generation mongrel) have nt had a chance to be evaluated for genetic vigour IMHO
