Top dogs: Puppy Awareness Week – in pictures

In contrast to the happy, healthy dogs seen in these pictures, puppy farm dogs are bred irresponsibly, without regard for the health and wellbeing of the puppies or the parents Photograph: David Perry

Without health tests, injections, appropriate care or socialisation, puppy farm dogs are sold on to unsuspecting buyers who will then often experience the effects as the dog grows, in the form of behavioural problems, serious illnesses or even death Photograph: Victoria Johnson

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, explains: 'We've never before had such instant access to so much information, yet time and time again people are making the wrong decisions when buying a puppy' Photograph: Picasa/Jane Ambler

Kisko: 'Too many people don't know that there are vast differences between the 210 breeds of dog in this country, and so end up abandoning their dogs because they discover that they don’t fit in with their lifestyle' Photograph: Juliana Xavier Danielewicz

'Many more are buying puppies from irresponsible and cruel breeders, not realising that these pups will probably end up with health and behavioural problems' Photograph: Roger Arbon

'Sadly, tens of thousands of puppies born each year are suffering because of our ignorance' Photograph: Melissa White

'Puppy farms churn out litter after litter of undernourished and badly cared for puppies and then sell them on to unsuspecting owners, through pet shops, newspaper ads, online adverts and various other means' Photograph: Ollie Rosser

'We're providing information during Puppy Awareness Week to help people understand how to buy a healthy, happy puppy and to raise money for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which supports charities and organisations that are making dogs’ lives better' Photograph: Peter Prior

Puppy Awareness Week is urging people to visit its website to find out how to find a good breeder, and what questions they should ask. There are also useful video buying guides here, here and here. Photograph: Rhian White

PAW runs until 14 September. Puppy Farm Aware badges are available from the Kennel Club website Photograph: Stan Wilson