LOCAL animal charities are warning the public to be careful about where they get their dogs from, unless they know the background.
The GSPCA and Animal Aid have voiced concerns about canines being brought into Guernsey after a recent BBC programme on dog breeding. And they have noticed that there has been a rise in the number of dogs with health problems.
‘We have seen several dogs with hereditary problems,’ said Animal Aid founder, Sue Vidamour.
‘There have been more skin problems, hip displacia and behavioural problems among dogs. These are all serious.’
These increases include five basset hounds with skin problems and asthma, six labradors with hip displacia, and three westies with skin problems over the last few years.
This rise is being attributed to dogs being brought into the island without proper checks or paperwork
The GSPCA feels that Guernsey is a soft target for breeders.
‘Indiscriminate breeders find Guernsey is an easy way to offload puppies,’ said director of operations for the GSPCA, Jayne Le Cras.
‘People in the island are just too trusting. They pick a puppy from a litter brought over on the boat and don’t know about the health problems until it is too late.’
Article posted on 22nd August, 2008 - 2.29pm
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One Article Comment
Imported puppies.
There are many puppy farms here in West Wales - and also the rest of the U.K. and Ireland.
These puppies are bred in disgusting conditions.
The breeding bitches are bred season after season. They are left in their own dirt in windowless sheds and are often terrified of humans.
Guernsey authorities should ban the importation unless they are from accredited ( and checked out) breeders.