Where does a puppy really come from?

Most puppy buyers see a happy photograph online, visit a home, meet a puppy and make an emotional decision. But behind some advertisements lies a very different reality.

In this episode, Ben is joined by Lauren Bennett from the RSPCA to discuss puppy farming, illegal imports, puppy smuggling and the growing problem of "petfishing."

Together they discuss: • What puppy farming actually means. • How criminal breeding operations work. • The impact of Lucy's Law. • Puppy smuggling and imported dogs. • The welfare consequences for breeding dogs and puppies. • Why people struggle to walk away from poor situations. • How buyers can identify a responsible breeder.

If you're thinking about buying a puppy, this episode offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions and avoid supporting low-welfare breeding.

The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding.

The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease.

You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at:

https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/

Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.

RSPCA scientific officer Lauren Bennett discusses puppy farming, illegal imports, petfishing and how puppy buyers can avoid supporting low-welfare breeding.

The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends that anyone buying a puppy should choose a breeder who fully health tests both parents before breeding.

The recommended tests vary between breeds and may include DNA testing, screening schemes such as hip, elbow and heart assessments, eye examinations, and other veterinary health checks designed to reduce the risk of inherited disease.

You can find breed-specific health testing recommendations and further information at: https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/

Health testing cannot guarantee a healthy puppy, but it is an important part of responsible breeding and helps breeders and puppy buyers make more informed decisions.