I've read on two different boards recently about dog dealers scouring free ads etc for dogs offered 'free to good home'. The dogs are kept in appalling conditions, and either repeatedly bred from or sold on. ![Frown :( :(](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
In one case it is an organised operation in the Surrey area fronted by a 'respectable' couple with a nice house who pose as prospective owners. There is a similar scam come to light in Edinburgh.
I'm quite sure these aren't the only ones, and of course there is nothing illegal per se about pretending you want to rehome a dog then breeding or selling on.
I'm sure a lot of people offering their dogs 'free' do so because the put a good home for their dog above getting any money for them, but it's a dangerous thing to do. These are 'professional' organisations and are very convincing.
If you know anybody in the position of having to rehome their dog or see any free ads for dogs that look particularly vulnerable (unspayed pedigree bitches are obviously at high risk) please pass on a warning - and if possible encourage people to ask for a payment or donation enough to discourage these sort of dealers and to neuter before rehoming.
In one case it is an organised operation in the Surrey area fronted by a 'respectable' couple with a nice house who pose as prospective owners. There is a similar scam come to light in Edinburgh.
I'm quite sure these aren't the only ones, and of course there is nothing illegal per se about pretending you want to rehome a dog then breeding or selling on.
I'm sure a lot of people offering their dogs 'free' do so because the put a good home for their dog above getting any money for them, but it's a dangerous thing to do. These are 'professional' organisations and are very convincing.
If you know anybody in the position of having to rehome their dog or see any free ads for dogs that look particularly vulnerable (unspayed pedigree bitches are obviously at high risk) please pass on a warning - and if possible encourage people to ask for a payment or donation enough to discourage these sort of dealers and to neuter before rehoming.