Beware of Puppy Farming and Scammers

The sale of puppies advertised on internet websites, has increased dramatically over the recent past. The relative anonymity that certain websites offer, is unfortunately being exploited by opportunists.

One of the draw cards used is the “attractive” asking price, which is usually below the prevailing price which would normally be charged by well established, reputable and discerning breeders.

These adverts are usually posted on popular classified type advert websites, where adverts can be placed at no charge or for a nominal fee.

There are websites one can use to inform oneself regarding current scams and how to avoid being caught out. The following sites provide in-depth information regarding past and current scams.

https://www.ipata.org/current-pet-scams

https://www.ipata.org/pet-scams

Beware of inadvertently supporting indiscriminate puppy farmers and/or scam artists that advertise on certain websites or on their own dedicated websites. Unfortunately, there are irresponsible breeders that are more interested in making profits than in caring for their puppies’ health and welfare. Be very wary of breeders that have a wide variety of puppies available all year round and that sell “pedigreed” puppies at below average prices. Be discerning and take great care when choosing the breeder from which you buy your puppy. Prior to parting with any money, it is strongly recommended that the KUSA office is contacted to verify claims made pertaining to KUSA membership or registration.

Some questions that should be asked:-

1. Is the Breeder a member of KUSA? Ask for their KUSA membership number?
2. Is the Sire and Dam KUSA registered? Will the puppies be registered with KUSA?
3. Will the puppy be micro chipped? (Mandatory for KUSA registration)
4. Ask to see the KUSA Certificate of Registration (Pedigree) of both the Sire and Dam
5. Insist on a written purchase and sale agreement, in which all terms and conditions are clearly stipulated. The agreement should be signed by both parties prior to any monies being handed over. Check if the breeder will impose any breed restrictions.
6. Ask if the Sire & Dam have been health screened for inherited diseases. Do thorough research on what diseases may affect the particular breed chosen.
7. Ask to see the puppy whilst still with its litter mates and mother. Ask to see the Sire to ascertain character traits and conformation. The environment in which the puppy spends its first 6 weeks, plays an important role in the development of its character. If for what- ever reason you are unable to see the puppy at the breeder’s premises, appoint someone else in the area to do so on your behalf. Avoid at all costs – collection of puppies from a meeting point away from the breeder’s premises. The reason for this arrangement could be due to the fact that the breeder’s premises would not stand up to scrutiny.
8. Confirm that the puppy will be inoculated and dewormed. Ask to see the vaccination record of the dam.
9. Deposits to confirm the order of a puppy should only be paid, after you have done all the necessary background checks and satisfied yourself that all is above board.

NB. Responsible breeders only breed when they are certain that they will be able to find good homes for all their puppies and thus it may be necessary to place your name on a waiting list and to pay a deposit.

The Kennel Union cannot guarantee that dogs registered with the Kennel Union or their progeny are free from any inheritable or congenital defects or guarantee any standard of performance. The Kennel Union serves as a registry for purebred dogs and is a voluntary association of its members. The Kennel Union does not register breeders and has no legislative powers to adjudicate between parties in dispute over the purchase & sale of puppies.

For further information contact the KUSA Office 021 423 9027