Leading animal welfare charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is urging prospective dog owners to think twice about how they buy a dog in an attempt to crack down on the horrific and cruel practice of backstreet dog breeding.
Relentless breeding of dogs in dirty, squalid conditions takes place in neighbourhoods up and down the UK, so Battersea has today launched a major campaign calling for a clamp down on the many undercover dog breeders that profit from the cruel treatment of these animals.
The world famous animal charity is calling for a ban on the sale of puppies under eight weeks old and the introduction of a breeding licence requirement for any household producing two or more litters per year.
Source: Andrew McGibbon © Battersea Dogs & Cats Home 2015
Claire Horton, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Chief Executive said:
“Battersea is speaking out to help expose and shame the callous breeders in our communities who are creating far too many unhealthy, unwanted and abandoned dogs all in the name of personal profit.
“At Battersea we see the consequences of this problem every day, with strays coming through our doors, many of whom show signs of in-breeding and others that have been used to produce countless litters before being turfed out on the street.
“These puppies and breeding bitches are often tomorrow’s status dogs and we must put an end to such inhumane, money-making activities.”
Dogs used for backstreet breeding are forced to lead a miserable life. They are frequently kept in cramped, uncomfortable conditions, are often never exercised and used to produce litter after litter, with no thought for their health. Exhausted and under socialised, these dogs are all too often thrown onto the streets once they have served their purpose.
Marjorie, a two-year old Bulldog, arrived at Battersea as a stray in November 2014. She was bald in places, unable to sit down due to a prolapsed womb, had long curled claws, withdrawn and showing obvious signs of overbreeding. After a lot of care and dedication from the staff at Battersea, Marjorie began to come out of her shell, showing an affectionate nature and despite her miserable start in life she will get a second chance to go to a caring, loving home she so deserves.
Source: Andrew McGibbon © Battersea Dogs & Cats Home 2015
Unfortunately, not all of these dogs will be as lucky as Marjorie. Savannah, a four year old Bull Mastiff, was another stray that came to the charity last year, also showing signs of overbreeding. She had been beaten by her previous owners and did not know how to socialise or get on with other dogs. Despite all of the help she received from Battersea, this poor dog had already been through so much that nothing more could be done for Savannah and sadly she had to be put to sleep.
Battersea Ambassador Paul O’Grady is supporting the campaign and says:
“I’ve seen first-hand the poor, damaged dogs in Battersea’s kennels that have been bred from over and over again. It sickens me to think what these dogs go through before they’re dumped on the streets broken and unloved. The awful thing is that backstreet breeders are everywhere lining their pockets from the demand for puppies. If there’s one thing we can all do it’s to make sure we think about where we’re getting a puppy from. Visit a rescue centre or a registered breeder and help Battersea end backstreet breeding.”
Show Your Support
With an average of 400 dogs across Battersea’s 3 centres, we at DogBuddy fully support this campaign and urge you all to show your support by watching and sharing the video below. You can also tweet your support using #MotherAgain
