site.btaSurvey among Bulgarian Vets Reveals Alarming Trends in Dog Breeding, Trade

A survey among practicing vets in Bulgaria sheds light on illegal practices in dog breeding and trading in the country. Conducted by the Four Paws animal welfare organization from June to July 2023 and presented on Tuesday, the poll indicates non-observation of the existing legislation and the humane treatment of animals.  

The survey looks into the opinions of vets from nine regions of Bulgaria on key indicators related to dog trade, such as: observation of the conditions for compulsory identification and registration of puppies prior to their sale; provision of the compulsory documents when selling a puppy; and puppies’ health. 

Fifty-four per cent of vets see at least once a month a puppy that fell ill shortly after being purchased, and 16% encounter such cases weekly. Seventy-three per cent of respondents have had to euthanize a puppy due to a disease that developed in the first weeks/months of its life because of bad breeding and rearing practices. 

Adult dogs without an identification microchip and registration are a daily occurrence for 57% of vets and a weekly occurrence for 30%. For purchased puppies, that is a daily occurrence for 24% of respondents, a weekly occurrence for 60% and a monthly occurrence for 11%. Dog breeders often mislead buyers that it is the owners’ responsibility to have the puppy vaccinated, microchipped, and registered, when the law puts that responsibility on the breeders, Four Paws programme coordinator Ivelina Ivanova commented. Another frequent practice is the use of false data and information in the dog’s passport or the issue of a health document instead of an EU Pet Passport.

Four Paws calls on all responsible institutions to address the problem with illegal dog breeding in Bulgaria as well as to strengthen the measures countering the distribution of illegal and inhumane practices in dog breeding and rearing. The animal welfare organization also calls on future dog owners to acquaint themselves with the risks of purchasing a dog. The best way to help a dog in need is to adopt it from a local animal shelter, which will also provide the pet with all the necessary documents and vaccinations.