Animal-loving celebrities including Kirsty Gallacher, Paul O’Grady, Amanda Holden, David Gandy and Rick Wakeman have joined forces with vets and animal charities to warn prospective pet owners against unwittingly buying from unscrupulous sellers amid a rise in demand since lockdown.
In an open letter that has also been supported by charities including Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust and the RSPCA, they call for public vigilance ahead of an anticipated boom in online adverts since lockdown restrictions have eased.
Online marketplace Preloved reports that the number of pet listing has increased by nearly 50 per cent since March and it is anticipating a further boom in adverts throughout the summer.
Added to which, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) says its members are continuing to see cases of very sick puppies and kittens since lockdown, which have been sold through dishonest sellers.
TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher, who has two dogs, British bull dog Betsy and French bull dog Bertie, said: “My dogs mean the world to me and pets bring joy to so many. It’s shocking to hear the lengths deceitful sellers go to when selling pets and sadly this can mean animals come from low-welfare conditions with distressing consequences.”
Anyone looking to buy a pet can get advice by searching ‘Get your pet safely’ or visiting getyourpetsafely.gov.uk
