There are a few ways to report concerning adverts:
Report advert to website
It is essential to report the advert to the website it is listed on. Many of the UK’s largest classified websites are already following PAAG’s Advertising Standards so will be happy to remove the advert should it happen to have slipped through their security checks.
Report advert to Trading Standards
For action to be taken you must report the advert to the Trading Standards department of the Local Authority where the seller is situated, who will be able to investigate. You can find the details of the one you need here: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-trading-standards-office
Remember if you have reported the advert to the website already it is important to take down the relevant details such as the advert number, seller’s name and contact number, or better yet take screenshots in case it is removed before trading standards get to it.
- In Northern Ireland, anyone with concerns regarding the welfare of domestic pets, including horses and non-farmed animals should contact their Local Council: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/animal-welfare-local-councils
Report advert to RSPCA or SSPCA
If the advert is a serious animal welfare concern you can report it to the following charities:
- England and Wales: RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty line: 0300 1234 999 To make sure you are reporting appropriately please read the RSPCA’s Reporting Cruelty Checklist: https://www.rspca.org.uk/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty/crueltychecklist
- Scotland: 03000 999 999
Contact PAAG
If you are uncertain about something you have seen but are concerned or unsure where to report it please contact the team at PAAG who will be able to offer advice: admin@paag.org.uk
Report to Action Fraud
If you think you have been the victim of an unscrupulous seller, report it to Action Fraud.
Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed, defrauded or experienced cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The service is run by the City of London Police working alongside the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau who are responsible for assessment of the reports and to ensure that your fraud reports reach the right place.
To report to Action Fraud visit their website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Report to HMRC
If you suspect a breeder is not paying tax to HMRC, then you can report them to HMRC using the form on this page: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/shortforms/form/TEH_IRF#/enrollment?key=a9902fcf-f45c-41f5-9b35-5394e7804ee4
Under Section 3, use the ‘other information’ box to mark your information for the attention of the Dog Breeders Taskforce.