From the ACT Office of Regulatory Services ‘Scam Alert’ service:

The Acting Commissioner for Fair Trading, Danielle Krajina, is warning consumers to be wary of a scam found on-line or in the classified column, that has resurfaced in Canberra. The scam targets animal lovers by advertising puppies and kittens that will be delivered to a home address, at a low cost, in a short space of time.

“The Office of Regulatory Services has received a number of complaints recently. I am also aware that the NSW Office of Fair Trading has issued a warning as some consumers have been taken in by the scam,” Mrs Krajina said.

“In early 2007 the Office of Regulatory Services warned Canberra dog lovers about a scam that tried to persuade potential buyers to pay to have a puppy delivered to their home. Payment is made via money transfer but the puppy is never delivered and the scammers pocket the money. Recent advertisements are often accompanied by pictures of cute puppies and kittens but the pictures are fake as the animals do not actually exist.

Some puppies purchased on-line may come from a puppy mill. These mills are breeding facilities created to mass produce puppies for profit. Some pups may be ill when they arrive, have a genetic disorder or may even be a different breed to the one the consumer was promised.

“It is important to do your research as you will have little recourse after you have received your new pet. If possible, meet the breeder in person, ask for and check references and contact the breeder’s vet. These are just some of the precautions you should take before you make a decision,” Mrs Krajina concluded.

A timely reminder to us all that puppy farmers just love hiding behind an email address and a website featuring romping dogs and lovely green rolling fields… Puppy farm awareness day 19th September.