Some good news in the UK today about Puppy Trafficking. Puppy trafficking must end says RSPCA
The RSPCA has launched a campaign to highlight the "unethical" business of "puppy trafficking".
The charity revealed almost three quarters of vets were concerned about the "despicable" trade in puppies, imported into Britain and then sold via the internet, newspaper adverts or to pet shops.
Consumer Direct, the government advisory service, received more than 700 puppy-related calls in 2007, many of which concerned animals who became ill soon after purchase, or who were not as described in adverts.
During the campaign, undercover RSPCA officers purchased six puppies - two of which were found to have potentially fatal illnesses, despite assurances they had been vaccinated.
The RSPCA's chief veterinary adviser, Mark Evans, said: "Puppy trafficking is a despicable, profit-driven business.
"We want the dog-loving public to destroy the puppy trafficker's market. If you're planning to buy a puppy, do your homework.
"Question everything and make absolutely sure the puppy you buy has come from a loving, caring home. Let common sense prevail and if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't, so walk away.
"The RSPCA believes that many are likely to have been exposed to disease and may become seriously ill, or even die, within days or weeks of entering their new home."
The RSPCA advises people planning on buying a puppy to get one from either a rescue centre or a responsible breeder.
The charity estimates 1,000 puppies a week are imported from Ireland into Wales, but an online survey found only 2 per cent of those who bought a puppy in the last three years believed it was from Ireland.
Puppy trafficking must end says RSPCA - Yahoo! News UK