Poll: One in five puppy buyers no longer have their pet two years later
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Statistics from a new survey commissioned by the RSPCA reveal that nearly a quarter of the owners (24 per cent) who bought a pure-bred puppy in the past two years based their decision mainly on appearance, while a massive 56 per cent of buyers did not see the puppy with its mother before they bought it. These are two of the biggest pitfalls the RSPCA’s new Get Puppy Smart campaign warns against.
The survey also reveals that many people buying a puppy do a minimal amount of research. More than 60 per cent of people who bought a puppy in the past two years only visited one litter of puppies before deciding on the one they wanted, while a shocking 40 per cent of those who bought a puppy spent one week or less researching their purchase.
Claire Calder, a senior scientific officer at the RSPCA, said: “Sadly far too many people are living with the consequences of buying a puppy on impulse. A cute puppy can be hard to resist, but the result of not looking beyond the cute-factor can be the tragic death of a much loved pet, hundreds of pounds spent on vet bills or the emotional impact of having to part with a puppy that was simply the wrong choice for your family’s lifestyle.”
The new survey commissioned by the RSPCA suggests the shocking figure that three per cent of puppies bought in the past two years have already died or been put to sleep, and more than a third (36 per cent) had experienced health problems.
One of those to find out the hard way about the consequences of buying from a rogue breeder is 18-year-old Geena Hebbird, from Essex. After being pressured into buying her American Bulldog puppy Missy, Geena and her partner endured a week-long emotional rollercoaster that left them with nothing but heartache and vet bills of nearly £700 before Missy was finally put to sleep less than a week after they bought her. Geena said she was initially thrilled to find a breeder who would deliver a puppy to her because neither she nor her partner drive and so couldn’t visit to see the dog first.
She said: “Looking back, we were foolish to trust the breeder so readily, but we thought he was a genuine person who was happy to help us out. The reality of the situation instantly became clear when I saw Missy for the first time. She looked ill, her fur was matted with dirt and her body was covered in cuts. It was awful to see her in such a terrible condition. I regret now asking the breeder to come to us because once he arrived I felt bullied into buying her.”
After Milly’s first night in her new home, it became clear to Geena how ill her new dog was and she took her straight to the vet. Despite nearly a week of treatment, Missy’s condition deteriorated even further and Geena and her partner made the sad decision to put her to sleep.
“We had been trying to remain positive and were looking forward to having her home again. We never imagined she would die so young, so when the vet called we were in complete shock. I knew putting her down was the right thing to do, but I was upset that I never had the chance to say goodbye. We are still suffering emotionally and financially from our mistake – I don’t think I could risk going through something similar again,” added Geena.
Do your homework to match the right dog with your home, family and lifestyle and that you can afford the long-term costs. Phone ahead before visiting any puppies and know the right questions to ask. Don’t buy a puppy straight away – go home and take time to consider your choice and visit it at least twice. Always choose a puppy based on its likely health and temperament and not just its looks – a healthy puppy is much better than a pretty one. Never be tempted to buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it – another will only be bred to replace it.
I was one of those 24% puppies. I was lucky to have been placed into rescue after being passed around to five homes in my first 5 month on this planet. My first owner was a young lady that didn’t realize how rambunctious a Doberman puppy is. She passed me to a family member and they passed me around to friends/family until finally a kind lady in Wolfhound Rescue too k=me in and got me to Northern California Doberman Rescue, that is where I rescued my two-legger from.
I know how lucky I am to have found such a wonderful loving home just wish more people would be less selfish and to a little research before they buy a puppy or any other consumer good for that matter. If we all buy things that do not test on animals, or make certain that the the company treats their animals are treated humanly the world would be a better place.
Heartbreaking statistics.
That’s a very disturbing poll.
sad:(
how sad…
hard to believe that this day and age – there are so many UNenlightened, ignorant people in this world……….
thats sad
I was smitten after 2 hours! After 2 years they’d have to pry her out of my cold dead hands! how heartless!
This is why so many wolfhound breeders ask lots of nosy questions and make you wait a long time to get a pup!
when they don’t match the drapes and upholstery, and aren’t doing tricks like the ones they see on TV, what are they to do? I’ll tell you what they should do, pull their heads out of their asses and realize the animal is a living thing with needs, feelings, and so very much to give, and act accordingly. Idiots.
Incredibly sad. I agree with Amy.
So sad. A dog should NEVER be an impulse purchase or adoption. Whether a purebred or mixed breed, you need to have an understanding of how the dog will fit into your lifestyle – not just how cute/cool the dog looks.
Another symptom and tragic result of our “want it now” culture…
Sadly, the phrase “Forever Home” is not always the case.
that is true here in the Philippines..sad to say, others only last for weeks..they’re selling unhealthy dogs here. since the buyers only care on how cute the puppy looks, they dont know if the puppy is healthy or not then they buy it..
in a country that casts votes mainly because of how someone looks on TV, I can’t say I am surprised, but I am very saddened.
I have a pure-bred dog and I have had her 4 yrs next month. While I had never owned a dog, EVER, I did do my research and pick a breed that fits me and my lifestyle. I can’t change these stats in this article, but I can tell everyone who wants to get a dog to research and choose carefully, it is a long-term commitment.
Geez, has it really been 4 years???? So much joy has made the time fly so fast.
Unfortunately we live in a disposable & selfish society!! So sad:( I don’t understand people at all. I’d rather be with my dogs!!
I never imagined people could be so shallow. I have three babies that have come to perfectly suit my personality.I believe that they are each beautiful in their own way.
That is sad….
As much as I get upset with my pup for his little transgressions I can’t imagine life without him.
Dogs are for life. Not just for Christmas!
how terrible. I cant imagine life without my Arak. Got him when he was 8 weeks old
In my opinion, there’s no such thing as an ugly dog but there are plenty of ugly people on the inside.
Very disheartening. I do not understand how you could give up a family member. When my first JRT was diagnosed with severe epilipsy at 1 people kept telling me to have him put down, he was too expensive. Well, he made it to 12 1/2 with the help of many medications, and vegetarian diet. Worth every penny spent on regular bloodwork, meds and food. If my human child was ill, would I have hime euthanized! This is a long term commitment to adopt a pet, people should be more prepared and realize this when they make a decision to share their life with a pet. Now my second adoption, is ill too, more special food, etc, but I loooove her. Make sure you can afford the commitment too. If you cannont afford huge bills then opt for a smaller breed, because there is always a chance of illness, accident, etc. People need to start making more concious choices. Very sad. They are not accessories! They breathe, feel and need.
IMHO…a responsible breeder will ensure that their puppy buyer is well informed on dogs in general and their breed in particular. My Rotti breeder had zero hesitation to turn someone down if they, or their kids were not suitable for the breed. She also had a contract with each buyer that any of her puppies would be returned to her if they were to be given up.
Humans are not 1/2 as loyal as dogs are. I bet the statistics are even worse for cats. Everyone wants a new, cute kitten but few want to deal with the issues that sometimes come with an adolescent cat.
Not me or my husband, we got our pups when they were 8 weeks old and they just turned 8 on January 20th. A puppy is for life!
That’s sad. Owning/getting a doggy is a huge responsibility…not to be taken lightly. If someone is not willing to love and care for that sweet one, whatever it takes, for the rest of its life, they shouldn’t get a pet. I think that because of people who aren’t in it for the long haul…..well, that’s why there are so many in the shelters.
I purchased a beautiful French Mastiff, as a 8 week old puppy. I love her so much. On New Year’s Eve day, 2009, I discovered a lump in her throat. I took her that same day to her vet. When he called me, he told me that she was full of cancer. I couldn’t stop crying. Then he said, he gave her 3 months tops. Well on Feb.16, I had to take her and have her put to sleep. I am still crying, and it is almost 1 year now. She was 3 years old. I bought her at Pet Land, in Frisco, Texas. I hate that place, and the owner, they sold me a sick baby, that I love so much, and now she is gone. Because she was nearly 4, on Feb. 27, he wouldn’t do a thing. It cost me 700.00 to have her cremated and and put n the box. I have her next to me, on my night stand, and cry all of the time. She is so missed, and so loved. I tried to feed her only the best, but she is gone now, and I have the biggest hole in my heart. Just 3 1/2 years old, and at her best, she weighed 145 pounds. I love and miss my “Abbygale”, she was so gorgeous, such a big baby, and a momma’s girl.
Linda, your post touched my heart and I am so sorry for your loss. I know it hurts deeply to lose a dog that is so much a part of our lives.
I hope your hurt eventually eases and that in time you are able to open up your heart to another wonderful canine because people who love their canine companions with so much commitment are those that truly provide the best homes for dogs and are meant to always have a dog in their life!
This does not mean you should ever forget your very much loved Abbygale so keep her close to your heart. But, know that we have to make room for another special dog because sadly, their lives (even living full and healthy ones) are way too short to match our longevity. It is my belief, a life without a dog, is a life without laughter, unconditional love and reciprocating joy not to be compared with any other. Just my personal thoughts, hope this helps…..
Its very sad- people need to do research, SOME breeders need to be more responsible and puppy mills need to be stopped!!! if you read the whole story one couple went to a breeder and the dog had to be put down with in a month, sad very sad, Reasearch people,, Don’t buy pups as gifts! Thats a big red flag when I see it on a app for the rescue I work with.
Sadly, those in rescue and shelters are all shaking their heads that people don’t already realize these statistics. I will give the “Christmas puppies” until March before they begin to be seen in shelters because the owner didn’t know: it will grow like a weed, it will need food and vet care, it didn’t come already trained not to jump or chew the best shoes, or just because “the kids are bored with it.”
Maybe earlier this year, since they probably won’t be taken out in all this snow and ice, so they will make the terrible error of peeing on the carpet.
I have a rescue and a ‘foreclosure’ dog and my next dog will be a senior from a shelter.
Education is so needed – but hey – Cesar and Victoria can tell them all they need to know in a fast 30 minutes, right?
Very sad, and I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t realize the percentage is this high. I, too, agree that education and using some hindsight is so important. I think that too many people, unknowingly, get caught up in “puppy love,” at first sight.
no wonder rescues and shelters are full all the time. So sad. People just don’t think! These animals need us, they should not just discard pets when they poop on the floor are are not as cute as they once were. I had no idea the % of unwanted pets was so high. : (
So many of these breeding parents, along with their offspring are sold at horrible dog auctions in Ohio.
Ohio has no laws preventing dog auctions. We are the only dog auction east of the Mississippi serving buyers and sellers from 15 states, many of whom have long standing, repeated violations of the Animal Welfare Act and/or have been convicted of animal cruelty.
Many concerned citizens firmly believe the auctions serve not reputable breeders but large commercial facilities where dogs are bred to produce as many puppies as possible in conditions ranging from unsanitary to inhumane.
The Coalition to Ban Ohio Dog Auctions is spearheading a new, citizen-backed ballot initiative – The Ohio Dog Auctions Act.
The measure (similar in language to Pennsylvania’s Statute 459-603) will establish a statute to the Ohio Dog Law making it illegal for anyone to auction or raffle a dog in Ohio. It also would prohibit bringing dogs into the state for sale or trade that were acquired by auction or raffle elsewhere.
Voters across the state are communicating with their fellow citizens and starting to gather a goal of a minimum of 120,700 signatures by December 1, 2011 to put the proposed law before the Legislature in January 2012.
For more information on this campaign and how people can help, we invite you to visit http://www.BanOhioDogAuctions.com