Dublin puppy farm closed by DSPCA

A PUPPY FARM based from a house in Dublin 15 has been closed by the DSPCA today.

Following a month long investigation into the puppy farm, nine adult dogs were taken into care by the animal welfare charity.

The dogs are believed to be in 'generally good condition' although some are underweight due to lack of food.

Breeds

Breeds of dog who were at the house include Rotweiller, Doberman, German Shepherd and St Bernards. It is believed that all the dogs were purchased online solely for the purposes of breeding.

The operator of the puppy farm set up the business earlier this year, but due to an over supply of large dogs the puppy farmer surrendered two St. Bernard dogs to the DSPCA which led them to eventually close the puppy breeding farm.

The DSPCA said puppy farmers and traders now take multiple advertisements offering a small number of puppies for sale therefore people think they are buying from a single owner with a litter rather than a trader. 'As long as people purchase on line, these illicit breeders will continue to sell on line,' they said.

CEO of the DSPCA, Brian Gillen said the puppies are bred to order in the 'most appalling conditions, often inbred and susceptible to illnesses and disease that only become apparent in the weeks after the purchase'.

Online selling

He added:

The message is simple do not buy online. Illicit puppy traders are offering 'Ready for Christmas' puppies on popular internet sites trade frequently with only a mobile number, no email and no address.

People are then generally asked to meet in a car park. If this happens then it is almost certain you are dealing with a puppy farmer.

The DSPCA said that if you are considering getting a dog, the DSPCA have a many dogs that need to be rehomed.