Our work to end puppy farming

We're campaigning to stamp out puppy farming for good.

Puppy sat in rehoming centre kennel at Dogs Trust Leeds

One of our top priorities is to stamp out puppy farming in Ireland and to ensure the legislation surrounding the Sale, Supply and Advertising of dogs is enforced effectively and robustly.

We care for hundreds of the victims of illegal puppy farming every year. They often come to us with matted coats, caked in their own excrement, overgrown nails, dental disease, ear infections, skin infections and terrified of human contact.

Puppy farms are extremely cruel with mums being kept in isolated small pens, giving birth to multiple litters a year. Despite being illegal, the penalties imposed on puppy farers are often-lenient with too small fines. 

In 2022, we spent €61,085 on veterinary fees alone treating 161 victims of puppy farming, the majority of whom came from two sources, who were each fined less than €2,000 each.

We urge the public to sign our petition to impose stricter fines on puppy farmers, be the voice of voiceless mums and pups, and ultimately end puppy farming in Ireland for good.

Don’t fall victim to this vile trade

Can you spot a puppy farm? Puppy farmers make a business of selling cute puppies to unwitting buyers. Take our quiz to see if you can spot a puppy farm.

Our buying advice and information on how to choose a puppy a litter will help you find a healthy, happy dog from a responsible breeder while avoiding irresponsible breeders and puppies from illegal farms. 

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