Pets

How you can avoid being fooled by unscrupulous online puppy dealers

IF YOU are thinking about getting a dog, animal charities would be incredibly grateful if you would consider rehoming one of theirs.

They have lovely dogs in need of good homes and would give you all the support and information you need to be a successful, happy dog owner.

However, if you are aiming to buy a puppy, take note that the RSPCA says that a shocking 87 per cent of their puppy-trade calls are about animals bought over the internet.

To avoid being fooled by unprincipled sellers who use the internet to advertise and sell farmed puppies, take heed of this advice from the RSPCA on how to spot their ads.

Look for these tell-tale signs: n Same contact number on more than one advert – try searching for the number in a search engine to find out if it has been used on other puppy adverts; n Descriptions may have been copied and pasted and used on more than one ad. Again, use a search engine to check if the text has been used before, word-for-word; n Words like ‘miniature’ and ‘teacup’can be a sign of dealers

Make sure your puppy is not from an unprincipled seller Image by Kim Hester, Pixabay who are capitalising on cute, popular terms; n Photos of the puppies may have been used on other adverts – right click on the photo, select the ‘search for image’ function with your search engine and see if it has been used on other ads; n ‘Vaccinated early’. If the advert says a puppy is vaccinated, check how old he or she is. A puppy cannot be vaccinated before they are four- to six-weeks old. If someone is advertising a three-week-old vaccinated puppy, they are lying; n Pet passport. If the puppy is advertised as having a passport, it has probably been imported; n Are they really Kennel Club registered? Ask for original documents and check with the Kennel Club before buying; n Promises of ‘free insurance’ and ‘puppy packs’ don’t always mean the advert is from a legitimate breeder.

If you see a suspicious advert, report it to the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

For further information, visit the charity’s Puppy Trade Campaign online at rspca.org. uk.

LORRAINE GIBSON

Basil the jackapoo seeks forever home

I AM a six-year-old jackapoo, found alone and taken to the pound.

When nobody came to collect me, Waggy Tails offered me a place and they are going to find me a super forever home where I will be loved and cared for.

I am not able to tell them too much about myself, but they know I love treats!

I enjoy my walks and love to sniff about in the field looking for gaps under the fence.

I like to have cuddles a lot. I’m a busy boy, a typical terrier with lots of energy. I am making friends slowly with other dogs but can be a little reactive to them. I would like a home where I get lots of exercise, lots of cuddles and lots of treats.

If you are able to offer me or one of my lovely friends a forever home or a foster home please contact our office on 01202 875000, email: admin@ waggytails.org.uk or visit our the website www.waggytails. org.uk. n Waggy Tails Rescue has lots of other dogs looking for their forever homes, and also needs more foster homes.

If you are at home most of the time, have a secure garden, have experience with dogs and have no children under 10 years old in your house then give the charity a call and discuss fostering.

Waggy Tails Rescue is a based in Wimborne. It rescues and rehouses dogs that have been abandoned, neglected or are otherwise in need of a new home. The charity also finds homes for other small furries that may be in its care.

To find out more you can contact the number or email listed above. Donations can be sent to: Waggy Tails Rescue, Helen’s House, 143 Magna Road, Wimborne, BH21 3AW.