Puppy farms and puppy farmers come in many different forms (sometimes that are bred in a small back yards in resisential areas) so be on the look out. Some puppy farms are very obvious where many dogs of different breeds are housed in barns / sheds / outbuildings. Whilst some of these farms appear to be clean and the animals appear healthy do not be under the impression that this farm “must be ok” because the animals you see behind the wire will never get out from their prison. Their small pen is where they remain, day in and day out. Where there are 40 – 50 adult dogs to 2 puppy farmers you can be sure that those dogs never get walked or paid any attention – hardly a life for a “companion” animal.

Other puppy farms are disguised in the form of “Fun Farms” where families and school groups are invited to come see the array of animals on the “fun farm” then brought inside to see the pups in cages – not surprisingly all for sale for a couple of hundred pounds each. These “fun farms” over the years have become very well known to animal welfare charities in Northern Ireland as a result of worried members of the public calling with concerns for a sick pup they purchased there. Many of these pups have died shortly after being taken home. These pups are often sold as pedigree dogs when they are not. They are full of worms which makes pups very ill and often have other diseases such as parvo virus. Out of sight in these “fun farms” are the worn out breeding bitches whose spirits are clearly broken and who don’t even look for attention from humans anymore because there is no point. The worrying thing about such “fun farms” is that they are portraying themselves as educators – encouraging children to learn about and respect animals whilst all the while sending a message to children that puppy farming is an acceptable practice. This kind of education both children and animals could do without.

There are also puppy farms that most people will never see. Dogs in these farms are kept in the most horrendous conditions locked in kennels or cages for weeks at a time and lying in their own urine and faeces. They are not fed or watered adequately and suffer from skin diseases as a result of the conditions they are forced to live in. One can only imagine what happens to many of these animals. The pups from such farms will often never be sold directly from the farm but sent to pet stores, sold from the boot of a car or through classified ads or web ads.

Puppy farms and puppy farmers put profit above the welfare of dogs. Most puppy farm dogs are housed in shockingly poor conditions, especially the ones kept in cages to be bred over and over for years, without human companionship and with little hope of ever joining a family. After they're no longer profitable, these dogs are simply disposed of. And hundreds of pups are born every year, adding to the overpopulation of dogs that are filling pounds and shelters throughout Northern Ireland.

A Life Behind Bars
The life of a dog in a puppy farm who is used for "breeding stock" is particularly shocking and sad. These dogs receive little or no veterinary care and never see a comfortable bed, a treat or a toy. They are never walked or petted and lead a life of loneliness and misery. Breeding animals are commonly killed after their fertility wanes, or they're abandoned or sold to another puppy farmer.

Puppy farms continue to thrive because they prey on consumers who are unaware of what goes on in these cruel places. Many people when having arrived at a puppy farm know by what they see that it is unethical but feel bad for the pup so hand over the money and take the pup home and although that is good news for that individual pup who is saved it is sacrificing hundreds of other pups because it keeps this deplorable trade going and the puppy farmers in business.

THE LAWS ARE NOT ENOUGH
The existing Animal Welfare law in Northern Ireland is outdated and has proved ineffective in tackling the cruelty involved in puppy farms but the Assembly are in the process of drafting a new welfare bill which will hopefully put these puppy farmers out of business.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
*Never buy a pup without seeing it with the mother.
*Never buy from the boot of a car. A genuine breeder will not trade in that fashion      and they will vet you to ensure you can provide their pup with a suitable home.
*Beware of “Pets classified” ads that offer more than one breed, these are often placed by puppy farmers.
*If you have visited a puppy farm and you are not happy with what you see then please call us and let us know

WHEN LOOKING FOR A PUP / DOG
1. Consider adoption. Adopting a dog instead of buying one is the surest way to strike a blow against puppy farms. To find the perfect match, you'll want to choose the right one for you and your lifestyle. Animal shelters have dozens of dogs, many of them purebreds, just waiting for homes. There are also breed specific rescue groups for every breed of dog (see our links page). Mixed-breed dogs also make wonderful pets.
2. Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises. Responsible breeders provide a loving and healthy environment for their canine companions, but don't take their word for it. Never buy a pup without seeing where they and their parents are raised and housed with your own eyes.
3. Avoid the temptation to "rescue" a puppy farm pup by buying him. Even though your intentions may be good, don't buy a pup with the idea that you are "rescuing" him or her. Your "rescue" opens up space for another poor puppy farm pup and puts money into the pockets of the puppy farmer which in turn ensures they can continue breeding and treating dogs inhumanely. If you see someone keeping pups / dogs in poor conditions, alert your local animal shelter or the USPCA instead of buying.

NOBODY'S DOG
Today is the death day of nobody's dog
Nothing will mark it but a note in the log
I'm faceless and nameless and no tears will fall
For I know in your world I have no worth at all
To you, my sweet someone, I'm a friend and a dear
We ran the wind daily and you held me so near
But the gate was left open - I chanced a walk on my own
I'd have cowered in fear if only I'd known
I know how you cried on the night that I strayed
I know how you searched, I know how you prayed
But I went to a pound far far from our home
Where I crouched in despair in my kennel alone
I know that you phoned for I heard your dear voice
And I hoped you would hear me so I barked myself hoarse 
Although I'm a Lab cross with stockings all white
On their form I'm a Staff cross - the description's not right
So they said I'm not here and I sank to my bed
My kennel cough's worse and I can't raise my head
The rescue came yesterday but they hadn't a place
For an un-neutered cross breed with his mucus-streaked face
If only you'd come to search for me here
You would have known me at once, you would have sensed I was near
You would have sorted my ills, you would have carried me home
And I promise our God no more would I roam
Now my eyes plead for mercy for my seven days are done
And I am waiting with dread for the final vet run
No arms will caress me as they inject me to death
No words will comfort me as I take my last breath
When the body man comes, it is fitting I'm found
In a bin bag in the freezer in the depths of the pound
Thrown away like the rubbish - no respect and no shame
Denied even the time to find you again
My loyalty and devotion they did cruelly betray
Without microchip or nametag, I am just a dispensable stray
Once waggy-tailed, once proud, beloved and free
Oh Dad look with pain at what mankind's done to me!