SKY have put as their headline news about the evil puppy farming trade. Making money out of innocent and vulnerable animals. This trade affects us all as many innocent dogs are stolen off the streets or bought out of ad-mags and free papers - just to go and be used and worn out at these places.

DO NOT BUY FROM THESE PLACES - you are adding to their sins


Please look and give your support where you can - even email them back and thank them for taking the lid off this horrible trade.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Puppy-Breeding-Farm-Conditions-Revealed-Undercover-Filming-Shows-Dogs-In-Tiny-Pens/Article/200908115353929?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15353929_Puppy_Breeding_Farm_Condition s_Revealed%3A_Undercover_Filming_Shows_Dogs_In_Tin y_Pens


From: Dixon, Charlotte (Charlotte.Dixon@bskyb.com)
Sent: 04 August 2009 16:04:20
To: admin@rainrescue.co.uk


Good afternoon, please find attached a press release, plus two images detailing a shocking report into living conditions for dogs on puppy farms in the UK, which Five News will be airing tonight.

The report lifts the lid on the appalling conditions some dogs are kept on in farms in Wales, which are then sold to pet shops in the UK, one of those being the UK’s biggest pet superstore – Dogs4us which operates out of Manchester and Leeds warehouses.



Please do call me for any more details, I hope you find the attached interesting and something your readers will want to know about.


Many thanks,
Charlotte



Charlotte Dixon

Publicity Manager

Sky News



020 7800 4341

07824 824834

Council asked them the make changes but allowed them to keep the licence. what a set of two hats.

Its atrocious what things are allowed to go through - and in Wales they actually ADVERTISED and promoted giving grants to farmers to change over from agriculture into PUPPY FARMING - well its the same thing isn't it?

However, this is not just in WALES. There are puppy farming practises going on all around the country - and some in South Yorkshire - not so long ago a terrible one was uncovered on a rented farm in Doncaster - but they scurried away. People have to report when they see practises that aren't acceptable - and shout about it. Its not acceptable. Everything should be written to the local council where things are seen - and then copy into the BSKYB lady - so that they can continue with this.

If they think people are interested - they will continue - close your eyes - and it will carry on.

This is a video link for the actual puppy farm.,Someone has a hidden camera.

Not for the faint hearted.At the end the dog running round and round in circles made me feel sick with anger.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid30402302001?bctid=30466574001

The story is the main headline on the channel 5 news, complete with an expose of a puppy farmer in Camarthen.

EDIT- and they've named the 'breeder' and Dogs 4 Us.

Right so the council have done nothing, what is the next step? shall we all go on a coach and do a midnight rescue. Ya think im joking but im being deadly serious!!!!!

Being a big wuss, I can't watch the video, but I wish the Government would take a heavy handed stance against puppy farming.

The manytears website always has ex-farm bitches who are blind and have been horribly treated. It makes me weep just thinking about it!

I wish there was more we could do...

Awareness to the public - name and shame
is the best thing people can do -

ignorance should not be an excuse

I always thought the Green FULL STOP was a fantastic campaign for Child abuse and neglect and hits home. We shouldn't turn a blind eye and hope someone else will do something. If everyone just tells someone about these places and the right and wrong way to buy any pet - we are spreading the word.

Spread this website everywhere and write to BSKYB - put it up on every forum you can - and not just the dog owners ones - but to the general public. It has to amount to something?

Did you know facebook had a group on this Rain? against this.

Everyone i know uses facebook so everyone needs to join this. Serach The group title which is:

Boycot Dogs4us

An excellent point was made by the Ch5 reporter. If we reported to a supermarket, the appalling conditions the animals their supplier kept them in, the supermarket would want to see the footage. Dogs4Us declined to see the footage obtained! This doesn't surprise me in the least because quite simply Dogs4Us doesn't care about dog welfare because it's making money, not only at the expense of the animals but the people that buy the puppies. Buyers may well be buying a genetically faulted dog that will cost them money and a lot of heartache.

The puppies accommodation at the superstores is completely alien, there is no breed specific information other than the history of how it developed and what it was bred for. It's needs eg exercise and temperament aren't even mentioned. There is no suggestion of height or weight statistics so these little bundles of "off the peg" cuteness may well outgrow their naive homes all too quickly.

Buying a puppy and taking it home away from it's mother is a pretty big thing for a pup and ought to be handled in as humane a way as possible. Taking it from a filthy puppy farm and rehoming it into a soundproof room with a glass door is distressing to me, let alone the pup. Aside from the physical defaults they may come with, there has to be a question mark over their mental health. Some are lucky enough to be housed with other puppies and so have some interaction, others are solitary and miserable. That will ultimately have an impact on a pup's temperament in future, a good start in life shapes the rest of it, whether human, animal or mineral.

The price tags on the puppies at Dogs4Us are huge. People could probably pay the same, or even less, money for a puppy from a reputable breeder that has carefully researched blood lines before breeding thereby ensuring healthy dogs. A responsible breeder should only breed to demand, which would mean a prospective purchaser sitting on a waiting list for a while, but what a small price to pay for a healthy, socialised and happy puppy. There are too many back street breeders who don't give due concern to health defects when putting their pedigree dog with their pal's dog too. Puppy farming is the worst of the evils but getting a cheap pedigree from the bloke down the road also compounds the situation. Buyer beware, as they say. I hope some of my rambling will illustrate why there are so many pedigree dogs in rescue and I hope the message gets through that the latest fashion accessory has needs too!

Apparently, tomorrow night, one of the celebrities adorning the walls of Dogs4Us will be featured. I hope this will be a turning point for puppy farming and indiscriminate breeding, the misery has gone on for long enough.

This is a very shortened version of my rant! :rant:

So tomorrow night one of the celebrities is doing what? praising dogs4u or slating them? I wasnt sure what u meant.

The trouble is we are an 'I want it and I want it now' society.....I think that people just want to get a dog and get it now and even if they do know about puppy farms they kid themselves that their puppy isn't from a puppy farm.
It would be good if they couldn't get the puppy as soon as they decide they want it because if they have to wait a few months they might think about it more and realise that a dog isn't for them.......

So tomorrow night one of the celebrities is doing what? praising dogs4u or slating them? I wasnt sure what u meant.

I have no idea Blade, I live in hope!

I have no idea Blade, I live in hope!

If they are the ones dogs4u use to advertise then they probably will be saying how good they are. Hope not tho.

Logged on to post this, but can see others felt the same. Puppies should NEVER be sold in a pet shop, those days should be LONG gone, you should always see the mother with the puppy, and hopefully have pics or news of father, it is disgusting to treat animals in this way as a commodity, how the hell have they kept their licence???? words fail me it makes me despair.

The fact that we live in a so called 'enlightened' society yet there's still so much suffering.

The Government wastes so much money and fails to grant even the most basic of rights to certain groups (and animals).

It makes me speechless that legislation isn't passed to stop this kind of thing - ESPECIALLY here on our doorsteps in the UK. No living being should be allowed to suffer at the hands of another, yet we see it nearly every day on the news at the hands of a cruel owner or breeder.

i am not turning a blind eye but cant watch the link am sill traumatised from the last link to a video on here- about BSL (still think aout Bruce all the time).

I dont know many people now that would buy a puppy from a pet shop but it obviously happens or these places wouldnt be in buisness would they? The people who know enough to make a decision to buy a dog from one of these places must realise where they come from so they are as guilty as the puupy farm in my eyes. that may be harsh but true.

I think puppy farms and backyard breeders are as bad as each other i despair of the human race somedays i really do but if people abuse children every day in the society we live in they will think nothing of using an animal for their own gains. i dont know how the people that work there sleep at night.

Something needs to change it has to stop

I to find it to hard to watch but have seen many of the newspaper stories and i just dont get how people can keep defencless animals in conditions like this how do they not feel love and care towards them!!!!!!! it is totally beyond me!!!!!!
I really hope after this has surfaced something really will be done to put a stop to it!!

xx

It was an interesting statement from Dogs4Us today. They will discontinue trading with the 3 breeders featured in the news report. What a u-turn from not wanting to view the footage in yesterday's report. It's amazing what a bit of exposure on tv will produce, let's hope the pressure is kept up so that there can be no lapse in the conditions the dogs are housed in. Let's face it, the Welsh Assembly are not going to ban puppy farming any time soon so the best that can be hoped for until it is, is that welfare is a priority and monitored properly. Credit where credit is due, the Welsh Mminister interviewed did express concern and suggested that changes to the legislation may be in order. Hurrah for some sense although the advice to contact the Council was rather lame given that they obviously don't give a stuff (as we know from this and previous responses to the problems).

The lip service comment that Dogs4Us will only trade with breeders who operate within the licensing regulations didn't hold much credence. There don't appear to be any stringent guidelines so it will make diddly squat of a difference when all's said and done. There are enough puppy farms of equal squalor which would still mean that Dogs4Us will continue trading in misery, unless they are going to completely review their purchasing policy and personally and thoroughly inspect their suppliers. I'd have expected them to include that in their press release if that were the case.

The only statement that Dogs4Us could have made to satisfy me would have been that it would cease selling live animals forthwith. :rolleyes:

i didnt watch it, what did the 'celeb' have to say?

I read he report thinking it might not be that bad, then watched the clip... ive got tears streaming down my face!!! those poor poor dogs. These people NEED TO BE STOPPED.
I just wanted to pick some of them up and love them. They had no water, little food, and no attention. I dont know how that women can work there and not do anything for those poor dogs. Some looked insane, running round in circles, just made me so angry but also so sad. :""(

Well if anyone knows the address cant we get a load of us to go up there and ask them a few questions!

Well if anyone knows the address cant we get a load of us to go up there and ask them a few questions!


Hi all
we at our rescue have supported this campaing for a long time now, along with others have been protesting at the store in leeds every month for a long time , the next protest is on the 23rd of this month . If any one wants more details so they can come up to join us and give support to help putting a stop to this madness then please get in touch .

Admin I can put a link to a site that everyone can get information from about this if that is ok

jon
Z.R.R

The original thread regarding the store, along with details of previous protests is here:

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=376160&highlight=dogs4us

I have just looked at the link and find it hard to believe, how, HOW can this be allowed and what can we do about it? It just beggars belief that we are going back to the old days where you can "impluse" buy puppies, and not only the poor puppies but the poor "bitches" made to have litter after litter in appalling conditions. truly appalling. Maryjane

Until the law changes the only thing you can do about it is join us on the protests at Leeds. The protests are very peacefull, we just hand out leaflets and explain to visitors, why they should not buy a puppy from a pet shop.

If anyone has been on the protest at dogs4us in Leeds, you will see that the issue also lies with people wanting to buy a " cheap" dog.. I'm a part of a breed specific rescue myself, the amount of phone calls we get telling people what to look out for in Camarthen, Taunton and County Durham, then they go off and buy a dog, just defies belief.
Supply and demand, if people didn't buy from these disgusting places it would send out a better message to the puppy farmers you are not wanted. But try telling that to somebody who toddles off across the country to Wales pays 300 quid for a sickly puppy at 6 weeks then calls rescue to ask us to rehome because the dog is so sick or dying, or has behavioural issues that are horrendous at the age of 6 months.
So not only does the repsponsibilty lie with the councils issuing licences in Wales, it also lies with ignorant buyers. Please also be aware that the conditions you see, are not just where you buy the dogs from, there is dog brokering or satellite breeding where once the puppies are born and up to 6 weeks are then sold from nice houses.. makes it all the more plausible.
PLEASE NOTE DLRC PAPERS WITH A DOG ARE NOT OFFICIAL! ( Dog Lovers Registration CLub) This is merely a standard pack that many farmers will issue so they can say the dog comes with papers, they are not lying, just that they are worthless!

BUYING A PUPPY

When visiting the seller note the surroundings.

If possible visit more then once. A good breeder will let you do this.

If you are happy with the breeder but they tell you this litter is all sold be patient and be prepared to be put on the waiting list.

Always ask to see the Kennel Club registration papers for the puppy. Make sure that the breeders name is on the certificate.

Ask about any known health problems with whatever breed you are considering (most pedigree breeds have some inherited illness's) ask the breeder if they health screen etc and ask to see any veterinary paperwork.

The breeder (a good breeder) should want to know all about you and offer you back-up if you should ever need it.

To Sum Up



Check ALL paperwork read thoroughly and do not sign anything if in any doubt.

Always make sure you see the puppy with its mother. NO excuses as to why you cannot.

DO NOT BE PUT OFF

If there should be subsequent, unforeseen problems, a conscientious breeder will be prepared to help you

THE IDEAL PUPPY

A puppy purchased from a reputable breeder should come from a healthily, caring, friendly background

SUCH A PUPPY WILL HAVE BEEN

Regularly wormed

At least part house trained

Have had contact with people i.e. socialised

Be in Good Health


SUCH A PUPPY WILL BE

Nice to live with

Well behaved with a good temperament

I emailed Camarthen Council complaining that they still used the puppy farms and other than asked for slight ammendments they still think they are suitable. I received a reply which was also sent to many other people on the same email. This was the reply...

''Dear Sir or Madam,

Thank you for the comments that you have made following the Five News/Sky News item on dog breeding and sales of dogs as pets. The number of comments made are very varied and I shall try to cover as many points as possible in a single response.

Many of you have called for commercial dog breeding to be banned, but that can only be achieved through a change in legislation, probably at national government level.

Some of you have also suggested that licenses held by the dog breeders that featured in the programme should be revoked, the dog breeders fined and also banned from keeping animals. Local authorities cannot revoke licences. Local authorities, other organisations and agencies involved in animal welfare can only take enforcement action when they have the correct evidence to do so and whilst undercover filming may be useful, on its own, it is not sufficient to sustain legal proceedings. The Council will gladly accept any statement from any person who has personally witnessed the conditions that existed at any of the premises and the organisations that have helped Five News/Sky News in making the programme, know that is the case. Magistrates courts may order the revocation of licenses, but that would be dependent upon a conviction for an animal health offence and only the courts can impose fines or ban individuals from keeping animals.

A few contributors have also asked about the way in which the Council regulates dog breeders. The Council uses veterinary specialists, its own staff and takes advice from other animal welfare organisations. Its own staff are Animal Health Officers who are educated to degree standard and they have qualifications relating to agriculture, veterinary science and animal behaviour. Applicants for a dog breeding establishment licence are also subject to planning and building regulation control. Each licensed dog breeding establishment receives an annual re-licensing inspection and further ad-hoc visits are made as necessary. Any complaint about an individual premises or the condition of dogs bred from them, is fully investigated. Unannounced visits are made.

Nearly all of you have asked what action the Council has taken in response to the Five News/Sky News broadcast. One of the premises featured in a similar television programme broadcast last year and that has been the subject of investigation, including an assessment of the behaviour of the dogs bred at the licensed dog breeding establishment. The other two premises have been inspected and where the allegations of cruelty and poor welfare were made, a small animal veterinary specialist was used to assess the conditions at that particular kennel, together with an assessment of the condition of the dogs. There were no major issues that required immediate intervention or enforcement action and the complaints about poor lighting, lack of exercise, stimulation and social contact were not substantiated or supported by the veterinary surgeon. Issues relating to cleanliness and repair were identified and the licensees were required to make improvements. If a statement from any person who has personally witnessed the conditions that existed at the time of the filming is received, enforcement action may be reconsidered.

A few contributors have asked why the Council does not give an interview, but only releases a statement that the reporter or programme presenter can use. This is usual practice in an on-going investigation where there is the possibility of a prosecution, so that potential legal proceedings are not compromised and also when it becomes necessary to check the validity of the information provided.

The standards that are applied to licensed dog breeding establishments have been of concern to many people. The licenses issued by the Council require the licensees to apply a series of conditions to the operation of the kennels so that the welfare of dogs is maintained. The licence conditions that the Council uses are similar to those of neighbouring local authorities and those recognised nationally. In Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government has recognised the need to review standards and has established Companion Animal Welfare For a. It has also commissioned a series of projects aimed at the general improvement of animal welfare. One of those projects relates to conditions attached to dog breeding establishment licenses and its findings will be published shortly, possibly leading to a standard set of conditions being applied throughout Wales. Carmarthenshire County Council will modify its existing licence conditions to recognise those improvements or any other changes that Welsh Assembly Government Ministers consider appropriate. There are changes to the legislation regulating dog breeding that the Council would like to see implemented, such as traceability of young dogs, the control of dealers and the use of staffing ratios at kennels. It will pursue those improvements though the local Companion Animal Welfare Forum, where the major animal welfare organisations are represented. In March, this year the Council was presented with a petition organised by a group of people concerned about the welfare of dogs and its response to that petition is to fully support the work of the Companion Animal Welfare Fora in Wales to improve the welfare of dogs.

I know that all contributors and complainants who have contacted the Council following the Five News/Sky News programmes care about animals and dogs in particular. Some letters and e.mails have been constructive, others less so and I fully realise that these comments will not satisfy everyone.

No further statements or comments will be made on this topic.



Philip Davies
Head of Public Protection
Carmarthenshire County Council
e.mail phdavies@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01267 228706
Fax: 01267 221616
Mobile: 0788 050 44 11''

No further statements or comments will be made on this topic.

He should have added "I'm now off to have my head surgically removed from my backside"!

A response to the above email from someone who the email had been sent to:

Philip,

As much as I genuinely appreciate you taking the time out to respond to my mail and clearly the mails of many other people, this simply must stop, full stop.
It is clear that these dogs, and I reiterate I am not actually a huge 'dog lover', are being systematically tortured in the pursuit of profit. Irrespective of your time and trouble to reply I feel the point has been lost in a tirade of irrelevant Council terminology and 'oh so expected' safe retort.


I simply ask that this stops and is not merely brushed under the legal carpet of denial.

Mr ************