“STOP buying from illegal ‘greedy breeders’” is the message from Worcestershire’s furious dog warden after picking up the latest in a number of stray pups which have been dumped.
Dilly the Daschund pup was picked up from an undisclosed address in the Wychavon area earlier this month with a skin disease called mange which was infected, she was wormbound and under nourished.
Over recent months, lots of poorly pups and unwanted mums, who have had multiple litters, have been dumped across the county and Worcestershire Regulatory Services animal welfare officer Pip Griffin said enough is enough.
“Illegal greedy breeders are selling ill and undernourished puppies to people who, then faced with huge vet bills, possibly dump them,” she said.
“We are also finding older female dogs who are dumped after having multiple births and being no use to these breeders who want to make a fast buck.
“It’s sickening and when you see these poor defenceless animals, who are so loyal and just want to be loved, it’s heart-breaking.”
The latest development comes just months after the county’s tireless wardens warned the cost-of-living crisis was leading to an increase in dogs being dumped.
There has also been a sharp drop in the number of dogs rehomed in Worcestershire, the RSPCA has reported.
The number fell 17 per cent from 351 in 2020 to 289 in 2021 and there were also falls in the number of cats and other pets found new homes, the charity said.
Potential pet owners are being urged to do background checks on breeders before handing over money or, even better, adopt and don’t shop.
“There’s lots of dogs who want loving homes and, while they may not be a ‘fashionable-breed’ will make wonderful companions and additions to a home,” Pip added.
“By adopting and not shopping you can help put these unscrupulous breeders put of business and end the suffering to these beautiful animals.”
Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of a dog, please call Worcestershire Regulatory Services on 01905 822799.
