WHAT IS THE BATTERY FARMING OF DOGS? It is a cruel and abusive industry. It is known as ‘puppy farming’ but that expression does little to describe the true horrors that lie behind the doors of barns, sheds, caravans, and any number of inappropriate buildings across Wales. Those who perpetuate this vile trade argue that it is a viable form of farm diversity. It isn’t. The people who farm dogs in this way know nothing about dogs and in the words of one farmer they see them as just like any other crop. They also refer to their captives as ‘livestock’. They aren’t. They are domestic companion animals who are afforded less respect than the sheep, cattle or pigs on those same farms.
THREE SIMPLE FACTS ABOUT GOOD BREEDERS:
ONE SIMPLE FACT ABOUT THE SALE OF PUPPIES BY THIRD PARTIES I.E. PET SHOPS, GARDEN CENTRES AND PUPPY DEALERS IS THAT IT FUELS THE PUPPY FARMING INDUSTRY:
Pet shops may claim to buy their puppies from breeders licensed by Local Authorities and Councils. But these licences are NOT indicators of satisfactory welfare standards for breeding dogs kept in captivity because Local Authorities and Councils tell us time and again they DO NOT have the time, money or staff to enforce even the five basic freedoms of the Animal Welfare Act 2006
Hardly surprising then that Wales is responsible for more battery farmed puppies entering England and Scotland than anywhere else. Puppies that are transported by a sophisticated network of dealers. Some end up in pet shops where gullible punters pay extortionate prices without realising the puppy’s background. Others are sold on the internet. Many are passed off by willing accomplices in family homes as their own ‘home grown’ litters but are actually working on commission. Sadly, these are puppies that often don’t live to be more than a few weeks or months old because they are infected and diseased. Or if they make it to adulthood end up costing their carers vast amounts of money in vets bills.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 95% OF THESE BREEDING PRISONERS DON’T MAKE IT OUT ALIVE. If you’ve had the privilege of providing a home for a rescued ex breeding bitch or stud dog, you will know how heartbreaking it is to see them discover grass for the first time. To experience sunshine. To have a warm, clean bed and fresh water. And most of all, to experience human compassion, companionship and affection. Watching a dog learning how to be a dog when half of his or her life has been spent living in filth and fear is something you never forget. Sadly for thousands and thousands of breeding dogs in the UK, they will never have this opportunity. These are the dogs that will never have a name.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE PUPPIES THAT AREN’T SOLD? The puppy farmers or dealers may decide to breed from them as soon as possible, condemning them to the same fate as their parents. If they are not seen as good prospective breeders, the puppies may be hit over the head or drowned in a bucket. We’ve even heard that some have ended up being sold to laboratories for experiments. Others are often advertised as ‘free to a good home’ which makes them easy pickings for dog fighting rings who use them as live bait.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BREEDING DOGS WHEN THEY ARE NO LONGER PRODUCTIVE? The lucky few are handed over to rescues. As for the rest:
OVER BREEDING HAS CAUSED A UK DOG POPULATION CRISIS. The indiscriminate breeding of dogs has led to an overpopulation crisis in the UK with more dogs being surrendered to pounds and rescues than ever before. Last Christmas people were actually selling their ‘beloved’ family pets on the internet so that they could buy computer games for their children. It beggars belief. But sadly, it is all true.
Our work is a constant struggle against bureaucracy, apathy, ignorance and corruption. It’s hard, and too often it’s heartbreaking. But we can’t give up. These dogs desperately need our help. Your help. And they need it now!
