Experts are warning families to be wary of scams after a huge surge in online searches for puppies during lockdown.Dogs bought through a quick sale could be linked to puppy smuggling and often have significant health conditions and don’t survive.
As such, charity the Dogs Trust is issuing advice on how to avoid being scammed or “Dogfished” when buying a new puppy.“People think they are getting a healthy, happy puppy but behind the curtain lurks the dark depths of the puppy smuggling trade and deceitful sellers who put profits before animal welfare,” Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp says.“Many of these poor puppies suffer significant health conditions or lifelong behavioural challenges, and sadly some don’t survive, leaving their buyers.