Cork dog charity warns about purchasing stolen pets or from puppy farms

A Cork animal charity is asking people to refrain from buying dogs at a time where demand in unprecedented.

Cork Dog Action Welfare Group (DAWG), based in Charleville, described the ongoing situation as “crazy” and said that some of their fosterers have reported their properties being cased and said the charity is receiving dozens upon dozens of applications per dog in their care, many of which are unsuitable.

The charity outline four things people can do to help the situation. The first being to have patience.

“If you want to adopt you may have to wait. The sad fact is in six months or a year, we will have a lot of ‘Covid puppies’ for rehoming.

The charity said to buy a dog at the moment, the likelihood is that the animal will be from a puppy farm or someone else’s pet.

For those who have dogs, DAWG advised close supervision.

“Treat them like your small children! Don’t let them wander off for hours, not knowing where they are, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Make sure someone can’t take them from the garden, by opening a gate, or cutting a fence. If your dog is inside, they are a much less appealing target.” 

Vigilance is also encouraged “Watch out for your neighbours and report to the guards. “We have evidence of chalk marked pillars where dogs live and vans cruising these areas in the hours following. Call the guards if you see something suspicious." 

Finally, the charity asked people to advocate on behalf of the care of dogs.

“Write to or call you TDs and push for dog theft to be treated as different to property theft. Whether your dog was a €120 adoption fee or a €2,000 pedigree, they are more than that number- they are precious.”