Meeting the poor puppies in Glasgow - Health issues rise in dogs from puppy farms
A spike in health issues of dogs from puppy farms.
Glasgow dog owners share their experience adopting dogs rescued from puppy farms.
In 2021, Lucy’s Law was introduced in Scotland meaning it is no longer legal to sell dogs through a third-party seller. However, it is still a huge issue in Scotland as the number of dogs being rescued from puppy farms has risen.
To become a licensed breeder in Scotland, you must meet strict requirements. This rule is set for anyone breeding more than three litters in a year. Unfortunately, dogs are still being illegally bred in poor conditions. In 2021, only 12% of pets in the UK came from licensed breeders.
Shelters such as SSPCA and Dogs Trust report having hundreds of dogs in their care every year, with a vast amount coming from illegal breeders. In a recent survey with rescue dog owners in Glasgow, it was found that 60% of pets were rescued from puppy farms. Out of all participants, only one dog owner claimed their dog was completely healthy.
The most common health issues amongst the rescue dogs were: kennel cough, kennel coat, ear infections, stress colitis as well as general injuries. More than half of the dogs were reported to have physical injuries.
It has been discovered that only 10% of puppies from farms are disease free. The Glasgow owners claimed the dogs from puppy farms were unvaccinated before being rescued, leading to further health issues.
Kevin was adopted from Dogs Trust.
Amy Morton, a rescue dog owner from Glasgow adopted Kevin in 2013. Kevin was found in Belfast, with signs of physical abuse and a heart murmur.
She explained: “Kevin had kennel cough too when we got him.”
“He was a troubled dog and throughout his life he had a tough time socialising.
“We didn’t socialise him with many dogs as it was too unpredictable and stressful for him.”
Kevin's health issues cost the family thousands of pounds. Amy said: “Kevin also had cancer and in the end, our insurance paid out £21,000 in total for his bills and medications, and we paid out £7000 a year on pet insurance.”
Kevin lived the rest of his life in a loving home. Amy added: “My favourite thing about rescuing Kevin was seeing him grow to love and showing him how it felt to be loved. To see him grow out of his shell was so rewarding.”
Lily, who was rescued from a puppy farm in 2017
Iain Pollock from Glasgow explained that his dog Lily was being used in a puppy farm until she was 3 years old. She was then rescued by the SSPCA, who fought in a yearlong court case before she was available for adoption.
Iain said: “By the time we adopted her she had undergone a year of treatment. She also had spaying at SSPCA, so we adopted a nice healthy dog.
“She was very insecure at first and would shy away from both dogs and humans.
“If we could all adopt more dogs, that would be amazing. So many need our help”