A charity is pleading for people in the north-east to avoid buying their pets from illegal puppy farms – and end the suffering of thousands of animals once and for all.
Aberdeen-based DAWGS, an organisation that has been finding new homes for dogs for the last 20 years, has said that criminal breeding is becoming an increasing problem in the region, and that all support of the “heartless” business must stop.
Last night, the charity revealed the plight of Lucy, a nine-month-old spaniel who was bought by a frail couple out of the boot of a car.
The puppy could not walk due to an infection, and she also had something wrong with her leg.
DAWGS arranged for an emergency vet appointment, where Lucy was put on antibiotics and X-rayed to find out what the damage was.
The scans confirmed the charity’s worst fears, showing that the pup had a joint problem which meant her paw was fixed in an abnormal position.
Vet Andrew Stalker, from the Aurora Veterinary Practice at Bucksburn, who examined Lucy, said her condition was the result of the owners not knowing how to care for her at the most crucial time of her life.
“Conditions like Lucy’s often occur when puppies are bred by disreputable breeders who don’t care for the pups and the mother properly during the crucial first weeks of life,” he said.
“The fact that Lucy was bought from the boot of a car means that her new owners had not taken proper precautions to make sure that she has the best chance of being healthy and happy.”
DAWGS was desperate to give Lucy a second chance, and have since sent her to live with Mary Diack, one of the charity’s trustees, at her home at Bucksburn.
She is building the puppy up physically and giving her all the love and encouragement she needs to become as fit and confident as possible.
In a few weeks, it is hoped she may be well enough to go to a permanent home.
“We really didn’t know what Lucy’s future would be, but thankfully she is doing extremely well,” said Ms Diack.
“People are not giving a puppy a chance if they are supporting and enabling a terrible and heartless business that makes a lot of money, causing misery and suffering to thousands of dogs each year.”
Ms Diack has set up a Just Giving page to raise funds to help DAWGS pay for the care Lucy might need in the future.
To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/DAWGSSavingLucyCampaign/