The Kennel Club, the UK's largest dog welfare organisation, has warned platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are giving "unscrupulous" breeders easy access to a mass market, with Norfolk buyers four times more likely to use social media compared to five years ago. Further research shows that one in four puppies advertised on social media get sick or die before their first birthday, with over half of prospective buyers facing unexpectedly high financial costs. "It's down to the puppy buyer to make sure that they ask the right questions, see the puppy with their mum and in their home environment, and step back if things don't feel right. READ MORE: Locals flocking to Norfolk pub to try new 'farm-to-fork' Sunday roasts"Failing to do so can lead to a world of heartache for puppy buyers and keeps rogue breeders in business, whilst puppies continue to suffer the consequences, as this research shows." "It's also imperative that prospective pet owners seriously consider whether a particular pet is a suitable choice for them."

Source: The Times October 30, 2023 02:05 UTC