🐾 Puppy Farming in Belgium: What’s Really True in the Media?
Updated:
Why shocking articles on puppy trading and ‘puppy farms’ appear every summer – and why it’s time our voice is heard too.
Every summer, it happens again: the media floods with emotional headlines about puppy farming, illegal puppy trade, or even puppy mafias in Belgium. You’ll see sad photos, references to Eastern European imports, and the suggestion that the whole sector is corrupt.
But is that picture accurate? And why do these stories always pop up in June or July?
🥒 What Is the “Cucumber Season”?
Summer is a traditionally slow period for political and economic news. Newsrooms look for stories that trigger emotions and attract clicks. And nothing does that better than stories involving animals, outrage, and strong imagery.
That’s why, in June, July and August, the same themes reappear:
-
Puppy farming in Belgium
-
Illegal puppy imports
-
Eastern European suppliers
-
Sick puppies sold to families
These are emotionally charged topics that generate attention – but often, you only get one side of the story.
🎤 Why Is Our Side Never Told?
As a licensed breeder, we see how quickly the entire sector is lumped together under the label of “puppy farming”. We follow the rules, provide proper care, socialization, veterinary oversight and aftercare – but our side rarely reaches the press.
Many articles are written by journalists driven by outrage or activist intent. They often have links to animal rights organisations or rely on sensational tip-offs without verifying the bigger picture.
And our perspective? It doesn’t fit the scandal-driven narrative that sells.
In the media:
-
There is often no distinction made between reliable and unethical sellers.
-
We don’t get a chance to respond.
-
“Puppy farming” is used as a catch-all term, even for legal, responsible, inspected breeders.
❌ What Does “Puppy Farming” Really Mean?
The term refers to large-scale breeding or trading of dogs without regard for:
-
animal welfare
-
veterinary care
-
proper socialization
-
legal documentation
Such practices are of course unacceptable – and must be addressed. But putting reputable breeders in the same category is misleading – and that happens far too often during the summer media cycle.
✅ How to Recognise a Trustworthy Breeder
-
Clear and traceable origin of puppies
-
Transparent care and clean living environment
-
Official registration and health guarantee
-
Honest advice and after-sales support
At Dierenhof Debrabandere, we work every day to offer quality, transparency and professional care. We collaborate only with recognised Belgian and international partners – and always give you full details about your puppy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Puppy Farming
What does Belgian law say about puppy farming?
→ The term “puppy farming” is not defined by law, but harmful practices like animal neglect, unlicensed breeding, or illegal sales are prohibited. Animal welfare is monitored by the relevant authorities.
How can you recognize an unreliable seller?
→ Watch out for vague information about the puppy’s origin, missing official documents, meetings in parking lots, no guarantees or aftercare, cash-only payments, unusually low prices, or a clear lack of knowledge about the breed.
Any of these signs should raise red flags.
Why do we see so many news stories about puppy trade every summer?
→ It’s partly seasonal: during summer, when there is less political news, stories about animals tend to dominate headlines.
Are all imported puppies mistreated?
→ No. We are a certified Belgian breeder and only work with reliable foreign partners who are subject to official controls.
💬 In Conclusion
We understand that people have concerns. That’s perfectly normal. But don’t be misled by clickbait headlines or one-sided stories.
Ask your questions, come and visit us, and judge with your own eyes.
We do our best every day – for our animals and for your trust.