Puppy Farms & Back Yard Breeders

Sentinel Article 21 April 2010
Belfast Telegraph Article 22 April 2010

In recent months the Rainbow Rehoming Centre has been carrying out many visits to areas throughout the northwest with regards to complaints of cruelty/neglect of animals.

Among some of these visits we have encountered some “back yard breeders” and “puppy farm” situations, were large numbers of dogs are being kept in poor conditions over long periods of time – sometimes for their lifetime – and used for breeding. These dogs never get out, they are kept in small pens or cages. They are not wormed of deflead or vaccinated. They are never exercised nor are they able to express natural behaviours.
These unscrupulous breeders charge huge amounts of money for these animals that are quite often unwell from lack of care or from over-breeding or inbreeding.

A disturbing aspect of these puppy farms and back yard breeders, as we have discovered, is that quite often these dogs are acquired initially from adverts in local newspapers and free papers, where owners are simply looking for a good home for their family pet. We are sure if the previous owners were aware of the horrendous situations some of these animals end up in that they would be appalled.

We would appeal to anyone who has a pet to re-home to check with local rescue centres or put notices in local vets, or try to re-home with a family member of friend. Always do a thorough home check on where their pet is going. Call to visit the new home and do not make a decision until you are sure. After rehoming you pet another unannounced visit is also a good idea. Neutering your pet will mean it cannot be used for breeding, but it may still be sold.
The course of our work has led us to some very disturbing situations. Present legislation leaves these animals unprotected and exploited through greed.

Please do the right thing by your pet. You are responsible for them and ultimately responsible for their fate. Likewise, if you are thinking about getting a dog or a puppy, please do not go blindly to one of these breeders who may seem alright. If you have any doubts, do not take a dog or puppy from them, even in pity. They will only replace the dog/pup with more. Never agree to meet anyone selling dogs or pups in a car park or anywhere other than their home. Make sure you ask and see the conditions in which they live and ask to see both parents if looking for a puppy.  If you are told the animal is vaccinated, there must be a vaccination card provided and this will include worming details
With the help of the public we can begin to break this cycle of cruelty.

PUPPY FARMS - What you need to know before buying a puppy