Alarm over illegal dog trade

24 May 2004

AMSTERDAM — Dutch animal protection organisation Dierenbescherming has spoken out against alleged abuses in the illegal trade in dogs, claiming that laws must be sharpened to crack down on the poor conditions in which pups and female dogs live.

The protection organisation has over the past year conducted an investigation of the illegal puppy sales trade, uncovering a list of abuses that it published in a “black book” on Monday, newspaper De Telegraaf reported.

The Dierenbescherming said an estimated 50,000 puppies are sold by illegal dog traders every year, and between 60 and 70 percent of the pups have health disorders. These range from minor complaints to serious health problems.

Due to the fact that too many puppies are kennelled together, the risk of infection is high and pups are being separated from their mothers much too early, the Dierenbescherming said.

Furthermore, dogs sold on the illegal circuit often fail to receive necessary vaccinations. The proof of health statement supplied upon purchase is often false and papers from foreign countries are often unreadable.

Female dogs that are no longer commercially viable after years of breeding are summarily put down, news agency ANP reported.

The Dierenbescherming also said that the illegal dog sales industry is taking on an international character, with countries such as the Czech Republic and Hungary playing a prominent role.

It urged for obligatory identification and registration of dogs with a microchip because authorities cannot trace illegal traders and breeders without a registration network. It rejected government plans to allow the industry regulate itself, claiming that proper regulations should be established.

Akin to the British example, the Dierenbescherming is also demanding that notorious animal abusers be banned from keeping an animal. It urged the public to buy dogs from reliable pet shops and breeders.

Subject: Dutch news