Puppy farm warning after dog's death

Chihuahua Frankie died from health complications which his family believe were caused by his breeding

A dog owner whose Chihuahua puppy nearly died days after she picked him up has warned others to be careful when buying pets.

Nichola Gooch, bought puppy Frankie from a breeder in Cambridgeshire after seeing an advert online.

However, days after getting home he became sick prompting concerns about how he was bred and the conditions he was kept in.

Frankie died eight days later from health complications and Ms Gooch now believes he was bred and sold by a puppy farm.

Nichola Gooch has warned other people to research thoroughly before buying a dog

The 43-year-old, who lives on the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire border near St Neots, said she first had concerns when she went to collect Frankie and was taken to a garage where puppies were being kept under a heat lamp.

She also noticed he had been bathed minutes before being collected and was smaller than other puppies.

Days after being brought home his health quickly declined.

She said: “We rushed him to the emergency vet, where he spent four days in intensive care.

“He had seizures, was found to be much younger than we were told and was severely malnourished.

"Frankie died in my arms, and although the vets revived him, he suffered mild brain damage.

“It was horrible to witness a young pup in pain, and it was such a stressful ordeal for myself and my family.”

Frankie had to be revived just days after being brought home by Ms Gooch's family

Ms Gooch tried to contact the breeder but found the phone was disconnected and the property empty two days after picking up her puppy.

Frankie also suffered from severe hip, leg and heart complications.

Ms Gooch said her family want other people to be educate and know warning signs.

She said: “Frankie was absolutely adored by all of our family, and I would never regret getting him, but I’ve learned so much since then, and I’m committed to helping others avoid the heartache I went through.

“My advice to potential dog owners is to research thoroughly.

"Ask questions, verify the breeder’s credentials, and be wary of red flags."

The Kennel Club has has released new research stating one in four people who bought puppies in the east of England now think they may have unintentionally bought from puppy farms.

It advises people research potential breeders, ask questions, visit the breeder and seek proper registrations and proof of veterinary care.

Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, said: “Scammers and puppy farmers are clever and will do what they can to disguise their cruel trade so it’s important to be extremely vigilant."