VET Edward Davies is offering advice to anyone thinking of buying a dog in a bid to help tackle illegal puppy trading.

Edward works at Cheshire Pet Veterinary Practice in Holmes Chapel, and hopes his advice will help combat the increasing problem of illegal puppy traders and puppy farms where dogs’ welfare is often not considered.

Nearly a third of puppies in the UK could have been imported illegally, and those involved in the trade run increasingly sophisticated scams to sell illegally-bred, often badly-treated animals to the unsuspecting public, at high prices.

Edward said: “I want to bring this important information to the people of Cheshire to help them spot the signs before buying.

“Local people could so easily be unwittingly caught up in this illegal behaviour and violations of animal welfare.

“We have sadly seen people in our practice who have unknowingly purchased a puppy which had illegal documentation, and which sadly had serious health issues.

“In some cases puppies are smuggled into the country then presented for sale, often online, in fake homes, as having been ‘family raised’.

“What you also often find is that these puppies are sold with inherent health problems, bringing with it all the additional costs and heartache.

“There is also the potential to bring in diseases which we don’t have in the UK.”

People thinking of obtaining a puppy are encouraged to do the following.

Avoid making spontaneous purchase decisions, especially on the internet.

Do your research carefully and buy from only reputable breeders.

A good breeder will probably have a waiting list for puppies; a happy, healthy dog is worth the wait.

Fashionable breeds are often sold at premium prices because the traders know there is the demand, but beware of very cheap as well.

Make sure you get to see the puppies when they are aged three to four weeks.

See the puppies feed from their mother.

Ask for access to where the litter is kept and see their conditions.

Collect your puppy at no younger than eight to nine weeks.

Check the puppies have been wormed.

Have they been microchipped? It is a legal requirement for all breeders of puppies to microchip and register their own details prior to sale.

The team at Cheshire Pet are happy to provide advice on buying and the care of a puppy and hold regular puppy training parties.

To find out more visit cheshirepet.co.uk or call 01477 544554.