Dog Trust has also raised concerns over dogs being sourced from Irish puppy farms where the poor animals suffer terribly all in the name of profit.

A leading dog charity in Ireland is urging people to not buy dogs for Christmas following a massive spike in surrender requests this year.

Dogs Trust revealed that they received 2,155 requests this year from pet owners wanting the charity to take in their dogs for rehoming.

This figure represents an 82% increase since last year when dogs were in huge demand.

According to the charity, the most common reason provided for people wanting to give away their dog was due to behavioural issues

However, with over 1,000 abandoned dogs coming into the care of the charity on an annual basis and now with thousands more, which it cannot possibly take in, Dog Trust is asking people to consider the lifelong commitment and responsibility of owning a dog before buying one at Christmas.

Dog abuse in puppy mills

The Finglas-based charity has also raised concerns over dogs being sourced from Irish puppy farms where the poor animals suffer terribly all in the name of trade.

According to animal charity SPCA International, puppy mills, which operate for profit, have little concern about the health and treatment of the dogs in their care. 

Moreover, the dogs that are produced there have health and behavioral problems attributable to their lack of human contact, over-breeding and deficient veterinary care.

These problems often take unsuspecting customers by surprise when their cuddly and irresistible pup develops serious problems after it is brought home.

‘Don’t fuel this vile trade’

Ciara Byrne, head of communications at Dogs Trust Ireland said: “We are pleading with the public not to purchase puppies in the run-up to Christmas.

“Sadly, this is the most lucrative time of year for puppy farmers, and we know genuine dog lovers don’t want to fuel this vile trade.

“It’s not just the puppy that you buy that’s affected, it’s the parents of the puppies that are left behind in often appalling conditions that suffer the most and that’s why we launched our End Puppy Farming campaign in November.

“We want to show that the public wants to see an end to the horrors these poor dogs endure daily, all in the name of profit.”

Executive Director at Dogs Trust Ireland, Becky Bristow, added: “We understand that not every family is in a position to adopt a dog or puppy and we also understand there are reputable dog breeders.

“However, due to the nature of the puppy farming industry it is extremely difficult to buy a puppy responsibly at present. 

“Advertisements of cute puppies online in home environments are often a smokescreen and the same photos are often used repeatedly.”

Instead, the charity recommends sponsoring a dog this Christmas, which will save money and give abandoned Irish dogs a second chance.

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