The case of a Dover woman who was landed with an £8,000 vet bill is being used by the RSPCA to highlight its puppy trafficking campaign.

The charity has revealed the results of an undercover investigation, coupled with owners’ experiences, to expose the grim realities of the trade.

Shirley Tyzack-Smith, from Dover, used the Kennel Club website when she wanted to get another golden retriever as companion for her dog, Rosie.

She paid £400 for Mollie, despite having reservations as the puppies were kept in a box in the porch and the breeder did not have much paper work.

“It was only after we had been once that I started to have a few question marks, but by that time I had fallen in love with Mollie,” said Shirley.

However, not long after she had got Mollie home the puppy developed several problems, including crystals in her urine and gland infections.

Before she was two, Mollie developed cararacts in both eyes.

Even when they were removed, she still had to go back to the vet to get rid of a growth on one of the cataract removals.

“I sometimes feel like I live at the vets these days,” said Shirley. “It would have cost about £8,000 for everything so far, but luckily Mollie is insured.

“If I was to give anyone thinking about getting a puppy any advise it would be to do their research.”

She added: “Looking at it now I feel the seller was probably running a puppy farm, but I just wanted to make sure that Mollie didn’t end up being used time and time again to produce her own litters.

“I sometimes worry about what the future holds for her but she’s happy and I was just glad I could give her a home and some love.”

As part of its investigation into puppy trafficking, undercover RSPCA officers bought six puppies, two of which were found to have potentilaly fatal illnesses.

Mark Evans, RSPCA chief veterinary adviser, said: “Puppy trafficking is a despicable, profit-drvieen business.

“We want the dog-loving public to destroy the puppy trafficker’s market. If you’re planning to buy a puppy, do your homework.

“Question everything and make absolutely sure the puppy you buy has come from a loving, caring home. Let common sense prevail and if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t, so walk away.”

Advice from the RSPCA to potential puppy purchasers includes:

Always try to see the puppy with the mother where it was bred. Pay attention to the mother’s size and reaction to the puppy - it may not be the real mother.

Try to find out as much as possible where the puppy has come from.

If you are told the puppy has been vaccinated, check the vaccination cards and be wary if the vet’s details are not visible.

Never buy from someone who offers to deliver your puppy or meet you somewhere.

If something does not feel right, walk away - never buy a puppy because you feel sorry for it.

For more details call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.