Shun social media ads ‘with cute pup photos’
People buying a pet are being urged to avoid unscrupulous breeders advertising puppies on social media.
The Kennel Club said popular breeds that are vulnerable to sickness, such as French bulldogs and pugs, suffer from poor care and particu-larly intense breeding.
These puppies either get ill or die before their first birthday, it found.
A third of dogs bought online on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are from puppy farms, it said, where malnutrition, abuse and parasites are rife. Owners then face high vet bills and behavioural problems.
Don't miss...
Woman shocked after £600 French bulldog grows into different breed [UK]
Tom Holland delights fans with adorable unseen puppy date photos of Zendaya [CELEBS]
Beloved puppy breaks both of his elbows - now owner needs £8,000 for operation [UK]
The charity’s chief executive Mark Beazley said: “Behind every cute photo on social media, there is a real puppy and a real need to ensure their health and welfare have been prioritised...there can be devastating consequences.
“It’s down to buyers to ask the right questions, see the pup with their mum in their home and step back if things don’t feel right.”