Know the difference between a registered and a backyard breeder.
Adopt, don’t shop isn’t just a clever catchphrase for them.
The SPCA is opposed to uncontrolled private and commercial breeding of puppies, kittens and other animals. Adopt, don’t shop isn’t just a clever catchphrase for them. They firmly believe that if all the people looking for animals would go to a shelter to adopt, the numbers of animals languishing in shelters would reduce dramatically.
“A lot of people argue in favour of breeders by saying that they don’t want a mixed breed dog and are only interested in a purebred animal,” says one of the helpers at the SPCA.
“Just about every pure breed you can think of now has its own rescue, not to even mention your local SPCA and other animal welfare shelters.”
A lot of people feel that they are “rescuing” a dog from the breeder. In fact, they are providing them with an income and enabling them to continue breeding. If you suspect a breeder is not declaring their income from the puppies you can report them to SARS. There is a hotline you can report to and you are kept anonymous – 0800 002870
Usually, reputable breeders are not breeding many different breeds of dogs and normally don’t have to sell their dogs on social media, in newspaper classifieds or in pet shops.
Things to look out for:
The dog is being sold at less than 6 weeks old (it is preferred that dogs are kept with their mother to a minimum of 8 weeks or even older)
The breeder demonstrates no knowledge of the breed or any care instructions.
You aren’t allowed to see the entire facility or the area the puppy was born or raised.
You aren’t allowed to see the parents.
Is the breeder registered? Check with KUSA if this is indeed a registered breeder. Tel 021-423 9027
Has the puppy / kitten been vet checked, vaccinated and dewormed?
Was the vet check and vaccination done by a QUALIFIED person?
Reputable breeders normally want to interview you or do a home inspection as they would like to know where their puppies are going. Often, they will include a sterilisation clause in the purchase which will state that the animal that is being bought will be sterilised at the correct age and may not be bred with.
Do you really want to support someone who is breeding purely for profit purposes and where the care of the animals is not up to adequate standards? It is always a good idea to check with the vet as to whether this breeder has had health issues with the puppies.
Sadly, eMalahleni does have some rather poor breeders – you are welcome to phone the Witbank SPCA for advice regarding breeders any time 013 650 2321.
