THE article “Puppy scams are still on the increase” (The Argus, May 19) quotes Inspector Taylor’s tweet of the Mid Sussex Neighbourhood Policing Unit: “Further reports coming in over the weekend of families travelling to Mid Sussex to collect puppies, only to discover when arriving at the said address, that the homeowner had no knowledge of any puppies for sale.  Most of the victims had paid up to £500 in advance to the scammers.”

Although I desperately feel for the victims of this callous scam, why would you pay £500 upfront to someone you have never met and for a puppy you have not seen?

Why not go to a local rescue centre where the puppies are desperately waiting for a loving home and without a £500 plus price tag on them?

I suggest that those people who go to a charity organisation for a dog or cat have the animal’s welfare at the forefront of their mind.

Research has estimated that 130,000 dogs come into UK rehoming centres each year. 

It is estimated that around 20,000 of these are put down annually, partly because not enough people want to rehome an animal in need because they would rather pay an exorbitant fee for a vanity pet. 

A price often paid again by the dog when it has grown up and is no longer wanted.

David Hammond

Hassocks