Vienna, 11 November 2024 – The demand for dogs in the EU has skyrocketed in recent years. Criminal networks can cash in by intensively breeding popular breeds in inhumane conditions and selling illegally imported and often underage puppies online. A new report by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS reveals that almost six million dogs are needed each year to meet the demand across the EU - in an industry that is estimated to be worth 4.6 billion euros. An alarming 79% of these dogs cannot be traced back to verified or legal sources, according to an assessment by FOUR PAWS. Missing verification systems on classified ad sites and differences between country legislations make it impossible to track and regulate the EU-wide puppy trade. Members of the European Parliament could help solve the issue if they strengthen a proposed EU regulation on puppy trade.

In its latest report, FOUR PAWS investigated classified ad sites in 21 EU Member States and discovered that the majority of dog advertisements – on average four out of five – offered puppies for sale. More than 2,000 new dog ads were published daily on websites in countries like France, Germany, and Italy. In Poland, daily numbers even rose to over 4,000 ads. FOUR PAWS findings spotted price differences of up to 1,300 euros between advertised puppies in Eastern and Western Europe. With these high profits, missing verification systems in the majority of classified ad sites, and little risk of prosecution, the incentives for puppy smuggling are high.

Stopping the cruel trade needs stronger EU laws

While the European Commission recognised the illegal trade of pets as organised crime, weak regulations continue to allow the industry to thrive. FOUR PAWS urges the EU to implement stronger measures, including mandatory identification and registration (I&R) of all dogs and pets, and verification systems on classified ad sites, that check dog registrations prior to any dog ads being uploaded.

The story of a tiny Yorkshire terrier puppy suffering from serious diseases

Many illegally traded dogs are vulnerable to the dangerous parvovirus – which causes severe stomach issues – parasites, and lung infections, all of which can be fatal. A shocking story from Germany reveals how innocent dogs and their new owners pay the price of this cruel business:

While searching for a puppy on a classified ads site, a family from Germany came across a Yorkshire terrier puppy advertised by a seller, who promised that the puppy had all mandatory vaccinations and pedigree papers. Trusting the assurances, they purchased the dog for €750. However, their trust in the alleged breeder began to crumble when they met up at a street and received a tiny, shivering puppy. Weighing barely over 600 grams, the Yorkshire terrier’s condition rapidly worsened after the sale: it stopped eating, developed severe stomach issues, and eventually fell into a coma. The worried family immediately took the puppy to the vet, who diagnosed him with parvovirus, parasites and diabetes. Only heavy medication and the continuous intensive, loving care of the family helped the little dog recover. The painful experience left the family not only emotionally devastated, but also with high veterinary costs.