A LEADING animal charity is urging people to do their research before they buy dogs online following an increase in dogs being brought into their rehoming centre.

Two sick puppies - a three-month-old Belgian Malinois called Keanu and the other a four-month Cockapoo called Dougie - were handed into the Dogs Trust Basildon after they were purchased online.

Keanu, who was purchased online for only £50, was in a dirty condition and the family that bought him took him to the Wickford-based trust to be cared for and rehomed.

In an even worse condition was Dougie, who was brought to the trust underweight and suffering with sickness and diarrhoea.

He was placed in the charity’s specialist suite where he received around-the-clock care.

Following their recovery, the two dogs have found new homes with Catholic priest Anthony Cho from Ingatestone and Jodie Conway from Grays.

Keanu’s adopter, Father Anthony Cho, said: “Keanu has been adjusting well to family life, joining his other former Dogs Trust Basildon brothers, Oreo and Raffles. The two dogs have accepted him into the pack at the parish - I call them the Canine Trinity of Ingatestone.”

Dougie’s new owner, Jodie Conway, said: “Dougie is such a lovely, happy, sociable boy who fortunately hadn’t suffered any long-term affects from his ordeal.

“He’s a great canine communicator and engages well.

“He has settled in really well and we love him dearly.”

Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust veterinary director and said: “The ease and popularity of the internet means that the impulse buying of pets has increasingly become an appealing option for many prospective buyers.

“However, the lure of a quick sale also attracts many unscrupulous breeders and dealers to websites.”