Begrudgy….I agree….Ireland is a disgrace in regard to puppy farming…..it’s just a matter of signing into legislation a law against it but for whatever reason the government didn’t do it…. The one good thing about the downturn is puppy farms are doing less business as parents are less likely to rush out & buy expensive purebred dogs on a whim !

I don’t understand why people still buy dogs or pups. There’s thousands of great dogs out there for free in pounds and sanctuaries who are just going to get put to sleep. Such a bloody waste!

I see your point Emsy …. I have a rescue dog….love her to bits & will probably only ever get rescue dogs from now on but if you’ve very young kids & don’t know what kind of psychological damage the dog may have from ill treatment it’s a bit of a risk….everyone falls in love with a puppy – it’s hard not to !

I’ve got a toddler and another on the way,both my dogs are rescue dogs. The bitch was seriously abused and neglected but she is,by far, the best dog I’ve ever owned,a real pet. She’s also a pitbull which goes againt popular opinion (they were bred as the nanny dog originally and she lives up to that name in every way) but she has the patience of a saint and is very protective of my son and our family. The dog is a staff/lab,complete idiot but loveable as hell,also a rescue but we got him as a pup and without the abuse the bitch went through. I think that if you know enough or at least research a little before just picking a dog on looks or age,you can get an excellent family companion. I do understand why people may hesitate to do what I did but I know my dogs. If you don’t know enough about them then there’s no dog that is necessarily safe to have around young kids. You know what I mean? I just think that people get pups without thinking and that’s where it goes wrong,they need the right training and treatment to be ideal pets,which means that the owners need to be educated correctly too….. :) I’m a huge dog lover,I just find it hard to take when you hear of all the wonderful dogs being put to sleep,there’s no need for it :(

The bitch needed a lot of rehabilitation but I knew that when we got her. Kids need to be educated too (be gentle and never corner the animal etc… ) also never leave a child and dog together without close supervision and give the dog enough attention that it won’t feel left out. some people neglect those points and it can have serious consequences unfortunately…… Sounds like I’m being snotty and lecturing here,I swear I’m not ;)

Emsy – I certainly don’t think your snotty or lecturing – I think you know what your talking about – I’ve one rescue dog & two non rescue, the non rescue are not as appreciative as the rescue dog, it’s like the rescue knows how good she has it now….she is so loyal & appreciates everything you do for her….however, I personally wouldn’t have the two breeds you have around kids even though I’ve read/seen on TV that they’re perfectly safe….I’ve heard too many cases of kids been savaged to death – why are they a controlled breed that need muzzling in public ? I know the most common dog to bite is a Labrador but it’s unlikely they will kill you !! It’s only my opinion & I’m sure your dogs are fab…best of luck with the new baby !!

Puppy farming? So they grow them? Like spuds? Egads!

Christelle….love the pic of your dog….tried to put my dog as my profile pic but can’t – how do I do it ?

I don’t think it sounds too harsh…,I’d say it’s more likely they tried to force the puppy to drink it as a joke – also why was the puppy found wandering on it’s own ? Not exactly the worst case of animal cruelty out there – just stupidity I think.