BROMSGROVE residents looking for a new member of the family are urged to be on their guard this New Year as Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) investigate a number of complaints about puppies bought online.
Trading Standards officers are looking into claims that some animals were older than described and that sellers had omitted information to give the impression the pups were bred in the UK when they were in fact imported.
Both the age and origin of a puppy are important as they help to ensure the animal has not been farmed or sold illegally.
Illegally imported dogs may have been taken away from their mothers too early, transported over long distances in unsuitable transport and have improper or no vaccinations.
Would-be owners are urged to ensure they see the puppy with its mother and to research the animal’s micro-chip number – if it has one.
If the chip was implanted abroad the owner should be able to show you a pet passport which should bear the correct details for the dog such as its vaccinations which should have taken place at the correct time.
Rabies vaccine can only be given when the puppy is 12-weeks-old or over and the puppy should not have travelled to the UK until 21 days have passed since the vaccination.
Anyone with suspicions should contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
