27 July 2022 – Every year, millions of puppies are traded in Europe, often bought online from classified ad sites or social media sites. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is warning people of the risks involved in buying a puppy online through its ‘Cute. Quick. Sick.’ Campaign. This campaign aims to help potential puppy buyers make the right choices when buying a puppy and reduce the illegal puppy trade across Europe.

Buying a puppy online is quick and easy, however, a significant number of puppies sold online are illegally imported. They are often bred on puppy farms in Eastern Europe and then sold to third party puppy dealers who sell them online and pretend to the breeder. Often the puppies are already sick upon arrival and what should be a joyous occasion causes suffering for both the puppies and their new owners, who may face high veterinary costs.

Illegally imported puppies in many cases come with fraudulent papers and falsified information. That way the true origin of the puppy and the identity of the seller remain hidden. If the puppy is found to be illegally imported, the new owner may end up paying for the puppy to be quarantined or even euthanised in some countries.

Zoonotic diseases such as rabies, ringworms or parasites can also be transmitted to humans and other pets. Doing the right research, asking the right questions and getting the right documentation can help prospective new owners avoid the risks of the illegal puppy trade.

Growing demand for puppies during the pandemic

The growing demand for purebred puppies in Western Europe, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to puppy farms increasing production, with puppies being imported from countries such as Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania. These producers primarily supply puppy dealers who go on to sell the puppies on classified ad sites, Instagram and Facebook. On these sites they can remain anonymous, untraceable and therefore not accountable if things go wrong.

Victims of the illegal puppy trade tell their stories

Laura K. from Germany and Richard A. from the UK are among those who are sharing their heartbreaking experiences of buying their puppies online and then dealing with their tragic deaths shortly after bringing them home. Their stories shine a light on the illicit nature of the online puppy trade and the consequences for both the human and animal victims. Read their stories here and here.