Welcome Puppies Responsibly!

SINGAPORE – Every year, countless families joyfully welcome puppies into their homes, often sourced from abroad. While these fluffy companions can bring immense joy, there's a hidden, troubling aspect overshadowing this happiness: the international puppy trade often prioritizes profit over animal welfare.

The Business of Puppy Production

Puppies are frequently imported to Singapore from various countries, including notorious sources like Ireland, which are infamous for puppy farms. These mass breeding facilities, often referred to as puppy mills, confine female dogs to produce litter after litter without any regard for their well-being.

In these farms, mothers live in abhorrent conditions, isolated and without proper veterinary care or rest. Tragically, they spend years in cages, deprived of freedom and affection.

When puppies are born, they face a harsh start to life. They are often taken from their mothers prematurely and thrust into the international market, subjected to grueling travel conditions—stressful environments, temperature extremes, and unkind handling.

Transport Challenges for Puppies

Without proper socialization between three to fourteen weeks old, these dogs may struggle with travel later in life. Early exposure to varying environments is crucial; lacking this can lead to long-lasting behavioral issues.

A Stand Against Cruelty: Lucy's Law!

Britain has taken significant steps against such cruelty with the introduction of Lucy’s Law in 2020. Named after a rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, this law prohibits the sale of puppies and kittens from third-party dealers. Only ethical breeders or registered shelters are allowed to sell pets directly to the public, promoting accountability and aiming to eliminate the market for poorly treated animals.

Questions to Ask Ethical Breeders

When searching for a healthy, ethically bred puppy, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Ethical breeders focus on animal welfare, maintaining clean, safe environments and ensuring proper health care.

These breeders emphasize temperament and health over appearance and avoid breeding from dogs with hereditary issues. Transparency is key: visit the premises, meet the puppies, and, crucially, meet the parents!

Navigating Import Loopholes

While Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) enforces strict pet import regulations, oversight of overseas breeders relies on their local authorities. In countries like Britain and Australia, prospective owners are encouraged to visit breeding facilities to assess the conditions and meet the puppies’ parents.

This personal connection is often lost when buying imported puppies, placing significant trust in third parties.

Checklist for Responsible Puppy Purchase

Before buying an imported puppy, follow this checklist: 1. Verify if the puppy was health-checked by a vet in Singapore and confirm the details. 2. Inquire about health testing for the puppy’s parents, focusing on genetic conditions. 3. Ensure there’s a written contract detailing health guarantees and return policies. 4. Ask about the puppy's socialization experience with people and other animals. 5. Investigate any history of medical issues or behavioral problems in the litter. 6. Contact previous buyers to gauge their experiences, as reputable breeders should welcome transparency. 7. Understand the breeder's frequency of breeding, with responsible breeders limiting litters. 8. Check for licenses: ensure your pet shop is AVS licensed and verify that local breeders are registered.

Make Informed Choices or Consider Adoption!

Purchasing puppies from overseas without knowing their breeding conditions may inadvertently support cruel breeding practices. In the absence of protective laws like Lucy's Law in other countries, unethical breeders can exploit these animals for profit.

If you're considering a new puppy, demand full transparency. Where was it bred? Can you meet its mother? Is there proof of ethical breeding?

Better yet, think about adopting from Singapore’s numerous rescue organizations. For the puppies we have and the countless mothers we never see, let compassion and responsibility guide our choices!