Exposed kennels are prosecuted

The RSPCA worries there is a growing black market in sick puppies

The RSPCA has welcomed the prosecution of a rogue puppy trader exposed by a television programme.

Essex Trading Standards prosecuted the operator of a kennel featured on the BBC's Inside Out programme.

Complaints were received about puppies from Dobe Farm Kennels at Wickford which later became ill or died.

Insp John Wilkins from the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit, said: "If people knew the conditions their puppy had gone through they'd be horrified."

The complaints against the kennel operator ranged from fake pedigrees to bogus vaccination certificates.

Loretta Bastin, who runs Dobe Farm Kennels, was prosecuted by Essex Trading Standards in July.

She was fined and banned from substandard goods, but by law is still allowed to run a pet shop.

There are no laws protecting puppies when they are being taken by ferry and road RSPCA

The RSPCA is concerned that there is a growing black market in the sale of sick puppies.

In a statement they said: "They are often advertised in free ads, claiming to sell a selection of healthy pedigree puppies.

"Many of these dogs turn out to suffer from diseases or defects and are often not pedigree as claimed.

"In addition, breeding and veterinary certificates given to owners turn out to be fakes.

"Many of the puppies originate from large puppy farms in the Republic of Ireland where there is no legislation protecting the welfare of the animals.

"There are no laws protecting puppies when they are being taken by ferry and road.

"Many face long journeys without food or water before they get to their final destinations - a variety of pet shops, breeding establishments or other groups that then sell the puppies to members of the public."

Inspector Wilkins said: "This trade would stop tomorrow if people stopped buying from these outlets. There are millions of pounds being made on this despicable trade."