“Four Paws” reports over 5,000 advertisements for puppies daily in the largest platforms for classified ads in Bulgaria. This was indicated by the foundation to Iskra.bg. The reason to look for them was the decision from the beginning of the year of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency to create a working group to propose legislative changes to curb the illegal trade in pets.
“Four paws-Bulgaria” have sent their opinion and recommendations to the working group, but they are not part of their subsequent discussion. However, the international organization has repeatedly raised the alarm about the problem.
“At the end of 2022, we published our latest study on illegal trends in the sale of puppies online. With it, we found that 60% of puppies in Bulgaria are sold without a microchip, and 50% – at 6 weeks of age or younger, although the legal requirement is for a minimum of 8 weeks of age before sale. Separately, research shows that only 15% of puppy buyers in the last 2 years bought a puppy from a registered kennel”, the foundation said.
There are over 30 registered dog kennels in Bulgaria, “Four Paws” comments. Information about them can be found in the register located on the website of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency.
“In order for an object to receive a license and be registered as a breeding facility, it must provide suitable conditions for breeding and keeping the animals in it”, the organization emphasizes.
When asked what the risks are when buying animals from an online platform, “Four Paws” explains:
“Risks can be related to the health of the animal, and therefore to the health of its owner. If the puppy ends up with health problems, this can also lead to financial risks for its owner, who may have to pay very high veterinary fees. Last but not least, buying an animal online also carries with it emotional risks for people, especially if the animal turns out to have an illness that cannot be cured, but which was deliberately concealed by the seller in advance.”
The organization is adamant that the claim “it is good for an animal to give birth at least once” is a myth and would rarely be propagated by a veterinarian.
“Owners of companion animals are required to take measures to prevent unwanted reproduction of the animals, and owners of premises where companions are bred or offered for trade must register the premises under the Veterinary Medicine Act. When it comes to dogs, it is important that newborns are microchipped and registered, given all the necessary vaccinations for their age and issued with a European Pet Passport. They must also spend at least the first 8 weeks of their lives with their mother without being separated from her.”
In conclusion, “Four Paws” state that currently the Mechanism for Control over Unregulated Sale is functioning with difficulty and this is one of the reasons that gave rise to the initiative of the competent authorities for legislative activity.
