Why puppy farms need to stop. Now.

It’s well known we're a nation of animal lovers. We have a whole host of animal-themed TV shows gracing our screens, including Paul O’Grady’s For the Love of Dogs, which returns to ITV tomorrow. In fact, the UK was the first country in the world to implement laws and legislation protecting animals.

So why are puppy and kitten farms still permitted? In my day job, I study animal behavioural welfare. I use training and science to rehabilitate so-called 'problem' dogs and cats. And it's a sad fact a lot of the animals I see are often traumatised because of these farms, or bad breeders. This is a topic very close to my heart, and I think it’s time for change.

Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the UK, with prices for pedigree animals soaring into hundreds (and in some rare cases, thousands) of pounds.

So, it should make sense we're careful to ensure our beloved, pampered pets are coming from a good source, right?

Well, according to research by Pup Aid, a leading UK animal welfare organisation, it’s actually not that simple. A lot of people can be duped into buying puppies and kittens from what they think are private sellers, but are actually farms. Pet shops may also be guilty of selling farmed animals.

So what are the long-term implications of purchasing a puppy or kitten from a farm? To begin with on the widest scale, buyers fund the farm – which means as long as the farm is a viable financial option it will keep running.

However, there are also more personal issues. Puppies and kittens sourced from farms will often suffer behavioural issues due to poor welfare. This can manifest in a number of ways, most commonly due to a lack of human socialisation at a young age. All young mammals have a period of emotional growth known as the socialisation period. During this time, it is vital they're exposed to a number of situations conducive to a happy home life, with the most obvious being humans. However, due to the sheer scale of puppy and kitten farms it's impossible for the animals to receive this care. So they miss out on a hugely important aspect of growth which will impair their ability to cope as an adult. Improper socialisation is a difficult problem to deal with, and while it can be treated, it's costly and may never repair the damage fully.

On top of this, farmed puppies and kittens are removed from their mothers at a very young age, which can lead to immune system development problems and diseases as well as further emotional issues. For instance, kittens removed from their mothers too early often develop respiratory diseases, which can again be costly and also distressing to the animal and owner.

So, what can be done to stop the barbaric practices, which often lead to emotionally and developmentally-stunted pets?

Pup Aid have issued a few pointers to follow when purchasing a puppy or kitten from a breeder or pet shop. And of course there's always the option of checking your local rescue shelter. But, if you are intent on buying a pedigree pup or kitty, be sure to check the following:

• Is the mother dog/cat present? If not you should ask where the mother is – you should be wary of sellers who will not show you the mother.
• You should ask to see the mother interacting with the young. Some disreputable breeders will use a fake mother – however by asking to see them interacting you should be able to see if the animals are behaving naturally.
• If you are unsure or uneasy, you should never go ahead with your purchase.

Finally, the most important step you can take is by joining celebrities such as Sarah Harding, Ricky Gervais, Liam Gallagher, Brian May, Joanna Page by signing Pup Aid’s petition to ban the practice of farming puppies and kittens.

It’s absolutely abhorrent that a developed nation, with largely stringent laws on animal welfare, should still allow puppy and kitten farming when it causes so many developmental and emotional issues to the animals. It’s time to say no, and stop supporting the trade.

So, will you join me in signing? It takes just a minute of your time, but could change the future of animals for ever. Sign the petition here.

Prospective buyers who suspect they are meeting a puppy farmer or agent should never agree to purchase the puppy – this simply fuels the trade, causing even more puppies and breeding bitches to suffer. Instead, report the incident to the local authority or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. If you suspect that a breeder is a puppy farmer, contact your local authority, who will be able to investigate.