1846 days ago

Charity urges people to buy mixed breed dogs to curb pedigree puppy thefts

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Animal rights group SAFE is appealing to dog lovers to buy mixed breeds from shelters to deter pedigree puppy thefts.

The plea follows an apparent spike in valuable purebred dogs being stolen around the country.

Chief executive officer Debra Ashton said SAFE had seen a rise in the number of stolen pedigree pooches reported on social media.

“It's cruelty in the highest degree both for the animals and for the families that are having their dogs stolen.

“This is completely unacceptable and the community together needs to fight against it.”

Ashton recommends people go to animal charities which are “screaming out” for good loving homes instead of buying expensive pedigrees from “puppy mills”.

This could help to “nip the theft business in the bud” by reducing demand, she said.

Ashton urged people to be aware of animals being stolen for dog fighting to speak out, and to question new pet owners about where they got their pedigrees.

The price of puppies is believed to be skyrocketing due to more demand after the Covid-19 lockdown.

“I’ve heard figures of around $4000 to $8000 which is phenomenal for purchasing a dog,” Ashton said.

Cavoodle puppies – a hybrid of a cavalier king charles spaniel and a poodle – are selling on Trade Me for $6000, golden retriever puppies for $4000 and Dobermans for $3000 a pup.

Trade Me has seen 28,000 searches for puppies in the last week - a 34 per cent jump on the same time last year.

Would you prefer to buy a pedigree pooch or a mixed breed puppy?

Why?

*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

Goldco Antique Buyers in Auckland Region

GOLDCO International Limited

WANTED WANTED WANTED:
Gold • Coins • Watches • Banknotes • Antique • Jewellery • Collectables

The market for many antiques, collectables, vintage watches, artefacts, gold and silver items has been buoyant these past few years. So if you are considering selling any of these or similar items then our specialist buyers would like to make an offer.
Any items will be considered so please don’t be shy and visit one of our venues.

Large or valuable collections? Single items? Downsizing, moving or decluttering? Family not interested? or simply turning unwanted items into cash.

*Immediate payment made *No commission or waiting *Free no obligation appraisal *Onsite security *Please have your bank details handy

Whether you have a large and valuable collection or a single item of broken jewellery please take this opportunity to see us at a venue near you.

See us at a venue near you - See venues here:

Goldco Antique Buyers | Member NZNDA | website email: goldco@xtra.co.nz | Ph: 0800 105 228
Find out more

Image
14 hours ago

Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?

What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?

Image
If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
  • 31.7% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
    31.7% Complete
  • 68.3% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
    68.3% Complete
189 votes
5 days ago

Poll: Is Auckland’s economy improving?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The latest reporting from The Post suggests a wave of optimism for 2026. With interest rates finally heading south, businesses are feeling more positive. But for many on the ground, the real-world recovery feels a bit like a slow-moving commute on Auckland's motorways.

We want to know: Are you seeing signs of Auckland's economy improving in your industry or neighbourhood? Whether it's busier shops, new projects kicking off, or just a shift in the mood ...

Image
Is Auckland’s economy improving?
  • 16.9% Yes
    16.9% Complete
  • 65.6% No
    65.6% Complete
  • 17.5% A little
    17.5% Complete
183 votes