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Nearly one-fifth of people – 19 per cent – who bought a puppy in the past two years no longer have their dog, according to new RSPCA figures. The RSPCA believes this is largely down to people letting their heart rule their head when it comes to buying a puppy, and failing to prepare themselves for the practical commitment and cost of owning a dog. Statistics from a new survey commissioned by the RSPCA* reveal that nearly a quarter of the owners (24 per cent) who bought a pure-bred puppy in the past two years based their decision mainly on appearance, while a massive 56 per cent of buyers did not see the puppy with its mother before they bought it. These are two of the biggest pitfalls the RSPCA’s new Get Puppy Smart campaign warns against. The survey also reveals that many people buying a puppy do a minimal amount of research. More than 60 per cent of people who bought a puppy in the past two years only visited one litter of puppies before deciding on the one they wanted, while a shocking 40 per cent of those who bought a puppy spent one week or less researching their purchase. A new animation at www.getpuppysmart.com guides you through the process of buying a puppy, and advises what to look out for when considering welcoming a puppy into your life.

Contributors:

Creative Producer:	Ameila Hart
Creative Director:	Nick Gripton
Programmer:	Taran Stafford
Designer:	Brett Jones
Senior Campaign Manager:	Justine Pannett

MIND ORCHARD (UK) LTD

Location: UK