Unlicensed Breeding Fuels Health Concerns in Dog Industry

Visakhapatnam:The dog breeding industry is in trouble due to a rise in illegal interbreeding and inbreeding practices. Many breeders are operating without a licence, raising concerns about the health and welfare of the animals.

Reports indicate that unlicensed breeders are exploiting regulatory loopholes, enabling them to inbreed — mating closely related dogs to maintain specific traits. Additionally, crossbreeding is becoming increasingly common, with popular combinations like Miniature Poodles and Shih Tzus giving rise to "Shih-Poo" puppies. Although these hybrids are marketed for their charm, experts warn that they may face significant health issues due to irresponsible breeding practices.

Narendra, a licenced breeder, highlighted these concerns during a discussion with Deccan Chronicle. “Unlicensed breeders are inbreeding illegally, which can lead to severe genetic disorders in the puppies," he said. "These breeders often cut corners, sell puppies prematurely, and even use steroids to artificially enhance their appearance of health." He also warned about potential health problems associated with trendy crossbreeds, noting that while they may be adorable, these puppies frequently suffer from respiratory and digestive issues as they grow.

Suresh, a licensed kennel shop owner, expressed concerns about the prevalence of shady practices within the city’s pet market. “There are over 50 pet shops in the area, but only a few have proper breeding licences," he explained.

Suresh shared his own ethical approach to breeding: “I enter into agreements with the female dog’s owner when I breed my male dog, often receiving one or two puppies from the litter. However, many unlicensed breeders disregard such practices."

As the pet market flourishes, buyers often fall victim to misleading online advertisements. Some people never get the puppies they pay for, or they end up with different breeds than promised. Many transfer money based on photos seen in online groups, only to fall victim to scams or receive low-quality dogs.

A woman named I. Sarada shared her experience of buying a Toy Pomeranian for ₹5,000 as a gift for her granddaughter. Unfortunately, the puppy died after 8 months. When they took the puppy to a veterinarian, the doctor revealed that the cause of death was related to stomach issues and other genetic problems. The vet also confirmed that the puppy had been inbred. When Sarada approached the pet shop owner for an explanation, he claimed that he had bought the dog from Hyderabad and was unaware of any such issues.

A pet shop owner, who wished to remain anonymous due to business concerns, stated, "I don’t engage in breeding practices at my shop because it requires a lot of care and attention. I source puppies from breeders in places like Vizianagaram, Guntur, and other areas, while toy pets typically come from Hyderabad and Bangalore. Additionally, customers who buy female puppies from us sometimes sell their puppies when they breed. Crossbred puppies are in high demand, and many people specifically request them." He further explained that dogs are available for as low as ₹3,000, but these are often of poor quality and frequently inbred, leading to various health complications.

Cybercrime CI Bhawani Shankar commented, “There are no official cases of scams recorded so far, but we advise the public to exercise caution when purchasing from unauthorised sellers or through unverified links.”