SOUTH Yorkshire Police are urging anyone looking for a new pet to consider rehoming from a reputable rescue centre and avoid buying or rehoming a dog from online or social media.
Officers are continuing to see an increase in incidents of dangerous dogs across South Yorkshire, placing an unprecedented demand on the force and following recent incidents, they are continuing to hear from those harmed that they have recently rehomed or bought a dog from social media.
Police say that no two homes are the same and in-depth checks and responsible rehoming could be the difference between life and death.
Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, who is leading the work on dangerous dogs, said: “You are more likely to be bitten by a dog in your own home, or that of a family member or friend.
“Having a dog is a big, life changing decision and as an owner you are responsible for its actions. If you’re looking to get a new dog, please consider rehoming from a reputable centre or a genuine seller.”
Sellers online are not always honest about a dog’s history and behaviour and do not have yours or your family’s best interests at heart, which can have devastating, even fatal consequences.
CI Cheney continues: “When rehoming from a centre, the dogs have undergone extensive assessments to understand their characteristics and a decision will have been made based on the dog’s actions and reactions as whether the dog can live with children, including younger ones.
“It may feel like the process of re-homing a dog from a centre takes a longer time, but all aspects are there for you, your family’s safety and providing the best home for the dog.
“When we become involved in an incident of a potentially dangerous dog being gifted, rehomed, or sold on social media, we will carry out a full investigation.”
Officers will check the history of any dog that comes to their attention and has been bought off social media. If a dog is found to have been sold on social media or online without an honest description to the new owner, the seller should expect to be contacted by police.
If you are going to purchase a dog off the internet or social media you shoult try and obtain as much information about the dog and its history as possible.
If the seller wants to meet in a separate meeting place to the dog’s home, please be wary. It is important to see a dog in its home environment where it feels comfortable and safe to act in a true manner.
Remember to ask questions around the age of children the dog has been in contact with, the behaviours it displays when people enter its home, and when out walking.
If you are considering buying a puppy, please ensure you look into reputable breeders.
Nature Watch can provide licensed, checked breeders through their website, as well as advice about becoming a dog owner Dog Breeding Map Of The UK | Naturewatch Foundation
