Puppies sold via Internet Websites – KUSA

Beware of fraudulent scams and indiscriminate puppy farmers 

The sale of puppies advertised on internet websites, has increased dramatically over the recent past. The relative anonymity that certain websites offer, is unfortunately being exploited by opportunists,  who use these websites to dupe the public into paying money into a bank account for puppies that are advertised  but which in fact,  are fictitious and do not exist.  The adverts usually feature a cute picture of a puppy and often claim that the puppies are KUSA registered. One of the draw cards used  is the “attractive” asking price, which is usually below the prevailing price which  would normally be charged by well established, reputable and discerning breeders. These adverts are usually posted on popular classified type advert websites, where adverts can be placed at no charge or for a nominal fee.
Prior to parting with any money, it is strongly recommended that the KUSA office is contacted to verify claims made pertaining to KUSA membership or registration.
If any fraudulent activity is suspected or detected, such activity must be reported to the web administrator immediately. Since fraudulent activity has become a major problem, most of the popular commercial websites, have an option available whereby users can notify administrators of any underhand activity.

Beware of inadvertently supporting indiscriminate puppy farmers that advertise on certain websites or on their own dedicated websites. Unfortunately, there are irresponsible breeders that are more interested in making profits than in caring for their puppies’ health and welfare. Be very wary of breeders that have a wide variety of puppies available all year round and that sell “pedigreed” puppies at below average prices. Be discerning and take great care when choosing the breeder from which you buy your puppy and ONLY BUY KUSA REGISTERED DOGS.

Some questions that should be asked:-

1. Is the Breeder a member of KUSA? Ask for KUSA membership number?
2. Is the Sire and Dam KUSA registered? Will the puppies be registered with KUSA?
3. Will the puppy be micro chipped? (Mandatory for KUSA registration)
4. Ask to see the KUSA  Certificate of Registration (Pedigree) of both the Sire and Dam
5. Insist on a written purchase and sale agreement, in which all terms and conditions are clearly stipulated. The agreement should be signed by both parties prior to any monies being handed over.
6. Ask to see the puppy whilst still with its litter mates and mother. Ask to see the Sire to ascertain character traits and conformation. The environment in which the puppy spends its first 6 weeks, plays an important role in the development of its character. If for what- ever reason you are unable to see the puppy at the breeder’s premises, appoint someone else in the area to do so on your behalf. Avoid at all costs – collection of puppies from a meeting point away from the breeder’s premises. The reason for this arrangement could be due to the fact that the breeder’s premises would not stand up to scrutiny.
7. Confirm that the puppy will be inoculated and dewormed. Ask to see the vaccination record of the dam.
8. Deposits to confirm the order of a puppy should only be paid, after you have done all the necessary background checks and satisfied yourself that all is above board.

NB. Responsible breeders only breed when they are certain that they will be able to find good homes for all their puppies and thus it may be necessary to place your name on a waiting list and to pay a deposit.

www.kusa.co.za