Thinking of getting a puppy?

Founder of the animal rehoming centre, Helen Davis, said that in recent months staff had been carrying out many visits to areas throughout the northwest with regard to complaints of cruelty and neglect of animals.

"Among some of these visits we have encountered some 'back yard breeders' and 'puppy farm' situations, where large numbers of dogs are being kept in poor conditions over long periods of time – sometimes for their lifetime – and used for breeding. These dogs never get out, they are kept in small pens or cages. They are not wormed of deflead or vaccinated. They are never exercised nor are they able to express natural behaviours," she said.

"These unscrupulous breeders charge huge amounts of money for these animals that are quite often unwell from lack of care or from over-breeding or inbreeding.

"A disturbing aspect of these puppy farms and back yard breeders, as we have discovered, is that quite often these dogs are acquired initially from adverts in local newspapers and free papers, where owners are simply looking for a good home for their family pet. We are sure if the previous owners were aware of the horrendous situations some of these animals end up in that they would be appalled," she said.

Ms Davis continued: "We would appeal to anyone who has a pet to re-home to check with local rescue centres or put notices in local vets, or try to re-home with a family member of friend. Always do a thorough home check on where their pet is going. Call to visit the new home and do not make a decision until you are sure. After rehoming your pet another unannounced visit is also a good idea. Neutering your pet will mean it cannot be used for breeding, but it may still be sold.

"The course of our work has led us to some very disturbing situations. Present legislation leaves these animals unprotected and exploited through greed," she said..

Offering advice to those who wanted a new pet, Ms Davis said: "Please do the right thing by your pet. You are responsible for them and ultimately responsible for their fate. Likewise, if you are thinking about getting a dog or a puppy, please do not go blindly to one of these breeders who may seem alright. If you have any doubts, do not take a dog or puppy from them, even in pity.

"They will only replace the dog/pup with more. Never agree to meet anyone selling dogs or pups in a car park or anywhere other than their home. Make sure you ask and see the conditions in which they live and ask to see both parents if looking for a puppy. If you are told the animal is vaccinated, there must be a vaccination card provided and this will include worming details. With the help of the public we can begin to break this cycle of cruelty."

A spokesperson for Derry City Council said it fully supported the work of the Rainbow Rehoming Centre in promoting responsible ownership of (dogs) animals and pets.

"The Council actively promotes responsible ownership of (dogs) pets and offers advice and assistance to the public on this matter. The Council also works proactively with the Rainbow centre to rehome stray and unwanted dogs that have been left at the shelter and fully support the excellent work carried out by the organization in creating awareness of the problem and promoting responsible attitudes to pet ownership," they said.