JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

May 2004  

PUPPIES SEIZED AT HARBOUR

Six puppies (two Rottweillers, two German Shepherds, one Labrador and one Dalmatian) were seized by the Animals’ Shelter after Police contacted the Shelter with concerns about the dogs’ welfare with regards their transport arrangements. 

The puppies had arrived on the Island via ferry from Weymouth on Thursday 20^th May 2004 and the Police immediately notified the Animals’ Shelter.  They were due to be collected by a local resident who had arranged with a dealer from Cumbria to sell the puppies to Island residents that had applied to him for puppies.

All six of the puppies had been placed into only two boxes for the duration of their journey, with the younger, smaller puppies being mixed with the older and larger sized puppies.

Although the dealer described the seizure as unfair, Animals’ Shelter Manager, Pru Bannier, reiterated the huge concern for puppies being transported in this unacceptable manner.   The dealer also happened to comment that the puppies were not yet vaccinated, but that he had advised the man collecting the puppies in Jersey to recommend to the new owners to have them health checked and vaccinated by a veterinary surgeon.  This highlights another serious issue with unvaccinated puppies, that have also not been wormed, are brought to the Island from unknown sources; the risk of exposure to Jersey’s local dog population from severe infectious diseases such as Parvo virus and Distemper is great and could be potentially disastrous should these diseases ever be brought onto the Island via unvaccinated puppies.

Over the past eighteen months, the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter has received for re-homing a number of dogs which had originally come from dealers in the UK and that had been purchased by local residents in good faith.  Several of these dogs had a variety of health problems, some of which were quite severe, that incurred large veterinary bills and hence resulted in the owners no longer being able to afford to look after the dogs.

If you are considering buying a puppy or dog, try to ensure that the animal is purchased from a licensed or recognised breeder or outlet and ask to see the puppy with its mother.  The majority of breeders are caring dog owners, dedicated to, and enthusiastic about, their favourite dog breed and keen to establish themselves as respectable dog breeders.  Anyone wishing to purchase a dog should contact the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, local Kennel Club or their local veterinary surgery for advice.

The six seized puppies are currently being looked after at the Animals’ Shelter until their prospective owners have been contacted and had the opportunity to apply for the puppies and undergo a home check to ensure their suitability.

ENDS