Liverpool City Council Warns Public of Dangers Linked to Illegal Dog Breeding

National figures show that potentially, only 15% of dogs entering the UK population each year are bred legally.

Transcript

00:00Liverpool City Council is stepping up efforts to combat the growing problem of illegal dog breeding operations

00:06and warn potential buyers of the serious risks to animal welfare and public safety.

00:12National figures show potentially only 15% of dogs entering the UK population each year are bred legally.

00:19As a result of these shocking statistics, Liverpool residents are being advised to follow a simple checklist

00:24if they're considering introducing a fairy friend to their family.

00:28These include be aware that under UK law a breeding licence is required regardless of whether it's a business or an individual

00:34or the number of lists is produced.

00:36Always ask to see the puppy with its mother in the place it was bred.

00:40Request vaccination records and health checks.

00:43Avoid cash only deals or sellers who refuse to provide documentation.

00:47Be cautious of online listings. Ensure you can trace the sellers and have their full contact details.

00:52And does it have to be a puppy? There are thousands of older pooches waiting to be rehomed.

00:57Operating behind closed doors, these breeders often keep dogs in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.

01:04Female dogs are bred repeatedly with little recovery time, leading to severe health complications and shortened lifespans.

01:12Puppies are frequently sold online or through informal networks, often without health checks, vaccinations or proper documentation.

01:18Liverpool City Council receives less than 20 reports about illegal dog breeding each year,

01:24although the scale of the problem is expected to be much larger in reality.

01:28The City's Animal Welfare and Licensing Team are urging residents to report suspicious sellers to Liverpool City Council via its website

01:35or report it to Merseyside Police.

01:38More reports and evidence mean offenders can be prosecuted.

01:41More reports and evidence incidents are被