The RSPCA has launched a campaign to try and help stamp out puppy trafficking. As part of the campaign, the charity has released the results of a survey of vets (June 2008) which shows that:

• 23% of vets reported an increase in puppies being presented at their practices that may have been bred on a puppy farm (compared to three years ago).
• 73% of vets are 'fairly' or 'very' concerned about the trade in puppies.
• 33% of vets have seen an increase in puppies presented with canine parvovirus (compared to three years ago), 34% with endoparasites (e.g. worms), 31% for ectoparasites (e.g. mites) and 35% with campylobacter.
• 54% of vets say they believe there is a higher incidence of parvovirus in puppies from puppy farms, 66% for endoparasites and 65% for ectoparasites and 44% for campylobacter.
• 36% of vets report that there has been an increase in puppies presented at their practices in the last three years that have not been vaccinated at the appropriate age for their primary course.

A separate survey found that nearly a third of 16-24 year olds are contemplating buying a puppy, and that half would consider buying from a pet shop.

The RSPCA said it believes it's high time that people planning on buying a puppy know the risks they face if they don't do their research and get one from either a rescue centre or a responsible breeder.

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