Don’t be sold a pup warning to dog lovers

Don’t be sold a pup warning to dog lovers
by Joanne Douglas
February 13th, 2008

A DOG owner is warning people about bogus dog sellers.

Jayne Schofield was searching for a new puppy, but was surprised to find so many sellers demanding cash up front.

The sellers were also giving misleading information about their location and what dogs were available.

The Examiner revealed recently that officials were advising people to be careful after an African scam left would-be puppy owners out of pocket.

Mrs Schofield, of Cowlersley, is now the proud owner of little Max, which she got after contacting the Kennel Club.

But initial internet searches could have left her hundreds of pounds short and without a puppy.

Mrs Schofield, 49, said: “I went on to a website and there was somebody advertising puppies in Manchester.

“When I emailed I found out the seller was in Aberdeen. So I looked for another, and again the seller was in Aberdeen, even though the profile said Liverpool.

“Then one asked me for money up front to pay for the flight to deliver the dog. I thought straightaway that it may be a scam and I found a woman who had paid £500 but not got a dog.

“Needless to say we decided it was dodgy.’’

Mrs Schofield is a childminder and wanted to see the dog before buying it, to make sure it would be suitable around children.

But none of the initial owners would let her view the puppies they advertised.

In the end she and husband Nigel contacted the Kennel Club, who put them in touch with a Shipley breeder.

“They were brilliant,’’ said Mrs Schofield. “They let us go and see the puppies, see them round their mother and with children.’’

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