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WA Police warn buyers to be wary of puppies being sold online

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Sarah StegerThe West Australian
Midland Police are warning members of the public to be cautious when purchasing puppies online after two recent cases highlighted fraudulent claims by the seller
Camera IconMidland Police are warning members of the public to be cautious when purchasing puppies online after two recent cases highlighted fraudulent claims by the seller

People looking for a new furry friend are being urged to be wary of online advertisements, with police warning buyers not to fall for offers that seem too good to be true.

Midland Police are warning members of the public to be cautious when purchasing puppies online after two recent cases highlighted allegedly fraudulent claims by the seller.

In the first case a man bought a Labrador-Rottweiler cross from an online site, where the seller had allegedly fraudulently provided a false Responsible, Professional Breeders Association number.

Police said the seller, who posed as a breeder from Goomalling, had also lied about the puppy being microchipped.

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DNA testing on the puppy, however, revealed the puppy did not have any Labrador or Rottweiler heritage and was actually a mix of five different dog breeds.

Midland Police are warning members of the public to be cautious when purchasing puppies online after two recent cases highlighted fraudulent claims by the seller.
Camera IconMidland Police are warning members of the public to be cautious when purchasing puppies online after two recent cases highlighted fraudulent claims by the seller.

In the second case a woman bought an Australian Shepherd–Labrador cross puppy advertised online as being nine weeks old, vaccinated and microchipped.

But after the owner took the puppy to the vet it was discovered the puppy was allegedly barely six weeks old and was malnourished.

The vet also determined that the puppy had likely come from a puppy farm and not a responsible breeder.

Both times the buyers paid thousands in cash for their puppies.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au

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