Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is concerned about the buying and selling of pets online. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has issued a warning to potential pet owners who are considering buying a pet from popular websites such as Gumtree, and want to see greater regulation of websites.

"We are concerned that it has become far too easy for people to buy or sell a pet cheaply online. Potential owners who are using unregulated sites to get a new pet have no way of knowing if they are getting their dog or cat from a responsible breeder as many of the sites do not monitor material posted on their pages. We are also concerned that some people could be purchasing a Section 1 banned breed dog as advertisers often use erroneous names to avoid detection."

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have launched an advertising campaign to alert potential pet owners to the risks involved in purchasing an animal through unregulated websites and the benefits that coming to the Home brings.

"We take in thousands of abandoned dogs off the streets every year and many are the innocent victims of irresponsible ownership. With animals changing hands for little or no money via the internet, and scant policing of online advertisers, we believe that this practice is fuelling an increase in the number of unwanted cats and dogs finding themselves at our gates."

Battersea’s Head of Intake Liz McWalter said: “A quick search on the internet reveals just how easy it is to buy a pet cheaply and quickly without giving any real thought to the life-changing decision you are making. Potential owners may not be fully aware of the level of commitment they are taking on or fully research the breed of their chosen pet. It’s when these owners change their minds that they bring their pets to us. Buying a pet is not like buying a new iPod and we need to see much stricter guidelines on the sale of pets online to prevent thousands more dogs and cats ending up mistreated or abandoned.”

Jack Russell Terrier Flossy was bought via Facebook in August. The new owner was told by the sellers that she was friendly and sociable but within two days, Flossy was at Battersea. Before turning to the charity for help, the new owner had contacted the previous owner who said that he did not want the dog back.

Meanwhile Staffordshire Bull Terrier Lola was only five months old when she arrived at Battersea because her owners, who had bought her on Facebook, could no longer look after her. The owners did have concerns that Lola had a tendency to bite and chew, however this is completely normal behaviour for a youngster and Lola has since been rehomed by Battersea. "We would like to see potential pet owners seriously consider their own circumstances before bringing a pet home. Dogs and cats can live for up to 20 years and they require daily care, love and attention to be happy and healthy."

Potential pet owners thinking of going online should log onto www.battersea.org.uk to find a dog or cat in desperate need of a home. All of Battersea’s animals are neutered, vaccinated, and the Home provides continued behaviour advice and support. Battersea is also calling on the Government to join with rehoming charities to raise awareness of the dangers of buying dogs on unregulated internet sites. The charity believes that the Government should co-ordinate a partnership approach to tackle this wide and increasing problem.

For more information please visit Mounting concern over pets bought online