Concern is growing over the puppy trade in Gloucestershire as figures show complaints about the controversial business have almost doubled.
Animal welfare charity the RSPCA received 24 complaints countywide over puppy trafficking and the trade in general in 2010.
But by the end of last year that figure rose to 39 which shows a sharp rise in the number of people keen to potentially cash in by rearing popular breeds.
Campaigner David Grimsell from Care and Respect Includes All Dogs said people have been breeding puppies in poor conditions for a profit without any regard for the animals' welfare.
He says many unscrupulous breeders do not give dogs the right veterinary care and claims genetic tests are not carried out so puppies are often born with debilitating conditions and behavioural problems, meaning they are killed off.
"Bitches are made to breed again and again and again, which is detrimental to their health," he said.
"After five or six years they will all get knocked on the head; quite literally. There's a total lack of commitment to dogs as individuals.
"The majority of dogs from puppy farms are never found and the assumption is they are bumped off."
There are no licensed puppy farms in the Gloucester area and only three registered in the Forest of Dean.
The black market is still proving to be vibrant, with dealers selling on puppies without the proper checks in place in Gloucestershire.
This was highlighted when Blakeney dog breeder Margaret Davies was caught and fined £300 for continuing to operate her farm after having her licence application refused.
There was evidence that she had continued to breed in excess of 78 puppies when she did not hold a licence.
Potential dog breeders must confirm to rigorous licensing conditions, as well as a code of practice for animal welfare. It is considered a puppy farm when, during a 12-month period, five or more litters are born to a bitch.
