The Better Business Bureau recently said they were unable to resolve more than half of the complaints lodged against dog breeders in Texas. One of the main reasons was because the transaction had taken place via the internet and they were unable to track down the breeder. The BBB warns, "As the puppy industry continues to grow, consumers may encounter more and more unscrupulous breeders."

The reports of people who end up with severely ill puppies or who pay for a puppy via the internet and never hear from the so-called breeder again are becoming more and more common.

The USDA only regulates commercial breeders, but those who sell to individuals or sell via the internet are essentially unregulated. For years, the BBB, along with the American Kennel Club and animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA, have warned against internet puppy scams, but it remains an increasing problem.

Ask your state to update their regulations and improve enforcement for unscrupulous breeders and online puppy advertisements.

Photo credit: ngader