As many as one in three dog owners could be buying their pet from puppy farmers, the Kennel Club has warned.
Research by the organisation found that of more than 1,000 owners of pedigree, pure-bred, cross-breed and mixed-breed dogs, 14% bought their puppy from a pet shop, 7% used the internet and 16% responded to a local paper advert.
The Kennel Club is warning that all three outlets can be used by puppy farmers, who breed too many litters from female dogs that are kept in bad conditions and whose offspring are likely to suffer ill health and behavioural problems…