Breeding trouble a special Courier investigation into puppy farming

The UK is said to be a nation of dog lovers.

But behind the friendly image of man and his so-called best friend lies a sinister underworld of cruelty and organised crime.

Puppy farms or, as the Dogs’ Trust prefers to call them, battery farms for dogs have been spreading across the UK, churning out puppies in squalid conditions.

This week The Courier will expose the conditions breeding dogs are forced to endure and look at the legislation surrounding the sale of pets.

We have also spoken to organisations dedicated to improving the welfare of animals, including the SSPCA and the Dogs’ Trust, about the work they do to uncover battery farms and bring unscrupulous breeders to justice.

Devastated pet owners duped by puppy farmers have also told us their stories and we have advice on what you should do when buying a puppy to ensure you too don’t become a victim.

See the first part of our series in Tuesday’s Courier or our digital edition.