Almost one in five pups bought on websites or social media die within six months. That is according to research carried out by The Kennel Club in Britain in September 2013.

The research also found that one-third of people who bought their puppy online, over social media or in pet shops failed to experience 'overall good health'.

It says 12% of puppies bought online or on social media end up with serious health problems that require expensive on-going veterinary treatment from a young age.

While 94% of puppies bought direct from a breeder were reported as having good overall health.

Though these figures are for the UK, the DSPCA says it is their experience that this is very much the same in Ireland.

"The DSPCA have received many of complaints from buyers who have had bad experiences when buying animals online" it said.

Complaints received by the DSPCA include as a seller unwilling to meet at their premises, being given misinformation about animal's age, sex, health and breed.

It also says that the buyer may not receive important information and documents such as microchip change of owner forms, vaccination cards, details on worming or de-fleaing schedules or diet information, etc.

The DSPCA says other complaints received are of the animals dying or becoming very sick shortly after purchase, or them requiring on-going and expensive veterinary care relating to problems caused by bad breeding or bad breeding conditions.

The DSPCA is appealing to the public not to buy animals online and to report any cases to the DSPCA that they feel need further investigation.

"We find it astonishing that so called Codes of Practice on these sites are breached on an daily basis" says DSPCA CEO, Brian Gillen.

"The Kennel Club UK research merely reinforces the horrors of this greedy trade in animal misery".

"We are calling on other welfare organisations to support the DSPCA in requiring DoneDeal and other websites to provide full traceability on all sellers of animals on their sites. This is a fundamental requirement in bringing forward prosecutions against unscrupulous breeders" he added.

Gillian Bird from the DSPCA says bad breeding conditions are rife.