The illegal puppy trade is a ruthless business. Separated from their mothers far too early, the puppies are often imported from Eastern Europe to Germany and all of Europe in the illegal trade without papers and vaccinations and are offered for sale via online platforms. The criminals act unscrupulously in order to make as much profit as possible from animal suffering. It is not uncommon for puppies to be infected with parvovirus – a highly contagious and often fatal viral disease – due to a lack of vital vaccinations. Injected with antibiotics ready for sale, the puppies are then handed over to unsuspecting sellers. Information on the age, breed and origin of the puppies is also concealed or falsified. When they arrive at their new families, the animals from illegal trade are usually seriously ill or die an agonizing death within a few days or hours.
urgently warns against buying an animal online. There are currently no legal regulations in Germany for the safe online purchase of animals. If you decide to have a pet, recommends getting information from the regional animal shelter, where many animals are currently waiting for a new home.
Find out more about the illegal puppy trade here.
If you suspect that you have become a victim of illegal puppy trade or have observed one, you can do so at reporting tool report.