Southport families urged against buying from puppy farms

Southport families who want to welcome a new dog into their home are being urged by the RSCPA to use a rescue centre instead of going to a puppy farm.

Many puppy farms can result in the animals living in unhygienic conditions that are overcrowded as breeders look to cash in and make hundreds or even thousands of pounds.

The RSPCA claim new figures show there has been a huge increase in Merseyside of complaints to their 24-hour emergency hotline over puppy farms.

The animal charity say rescue centres have more advantages, such as healthier pets, it is more rewarding and there are too many unwanted dogs.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens said: “It is distressing that we are still seeing so many reports about puppy farms but part of this increase is probably due to people being more savvy about what to look out for when getting a pet.”