There are many groups on Facebook, where pets are given away. However, this is a prerequisite for many frauds. A reader of Iskra.bg revealed the following scheme:
„I came across an ad on the social network that a pedigree dog was being given away. There was a condition – I had to transfer a deposit for its transportation and then the animal would be sent to me. However, in the end, one finds oneself without an animal and without a deposit.“
The „Four Paws“ foundation told Iskra.bg that they were not aware of the fraud in question, but they would like to advise everyone who wants to get a pet:
„Our advice is – anyone who wants to get a pet should familiarize themselves with the legal requirements for this in advance and trust only registered kennels that can fulfill the legal requirements for sale: the puppy must be at least 8-week old at the time of sale, be microchipped and registered with a vet, have passed all mandatory medical procedures for its age and have been issued with a European Pet Passport containing detailed information on its registration and medical condition.“
The organization urges people not to respond to animal donation ads on online platforms because it can be dangerous. It says the best thing they can do is adopt from a stray animal shelter.
When asked how exactly the transport of animals in Bulgaria is done and whether the companies providing the service are licensed, „Four Paws“ answered:
„When choosing a pet, it is extremely important that we personally familiarize ourselves with the conditions in which the animal is raised, to make sure that it is not a question of illegal trade and that there are no prerequisites originating from the environment in which it is raised for deterioration of his health. We advise you to inquire about the mother and her condition, the health history of the dog and its documents, and the environment in which it was raised by the seller. For this reason, we recommend that you visit the kennel on site and, if you decide to purchase a puppy, take them to their new home in person.“
