People looking to buy a puppy in Chichester area are being urged to choose a licensed breeder.
Chichester District Council says this time of year often sees a rise in the number of illegally bred dogs.
The council warns that many puppies are sold by unlicensed breeders, often in poor conditions.
Licensed breeders must meet strict welfare standards, including vaccinations and allowing buyers to see puppies with their mother.
"At this time of year, we typically see a rise in the sale of illegally bred dogs, and though this is a national issue, we want to help and ensure that every dog bought in our district is healthy, well cared for, and comes from a licensed breeder," explains Councillor Jonathan Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment at Chichester District Council.
"We also tend to see an increase in abandoned or sick animals. Nationally, it is estimated that up to 80% of the puppies welcomed into our homes come from unlicensed or unknown breeders, and as a council we do our part to try and make sure puppies in our district are healthy and protected. Our Environmental Protection Team work very hard to encourage breeders in our district to apply for a dog breeding licence and carry out regular spot checks."
"To help you choose a healthy, happy pet, there are several useful tips that people can follow" says Cllr Brown. "These include, asking to see the breeder's licence certificate. If they don't provide it, we encourage people to walk away and contact our Environmental Protection Team. People should also not feel rushed into a decision and should never pay a deposit before seeing the puppy in person.
"If you do see the puppy in person, make sure it is in its home environment with its mother and siblings, and watch how it interacts with them - it should be sociable, alert and clean. Always avoid breeders who suggest meeting in a neutral location or refuse home visits. A dishonest seller will suggest this to try and avoid you seeing the animal's living conditions.
"If you feel that something isn't right about the situation or the conditions that the animal and its mother are in, then we would advise trusting your instincts - walk away and report your concerns to us."
For lots more advice and information, people can visit the RSPCA's website(opens new window).
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