PUPPY DEATH WARNING

Make sure you research dog breeders, say heartbroken family

- RUTH SUTER

A DEVASTATED family have issued a warning over illicit breeders after their labrador puppy died within a week of them bringing her home.

Thomas Hrynkiawicz, 20, bought Luna for £500 on May 16 after he and his family fell in love with her when they spotted her for sale on site FreeAds.

Luna was supposed to be a birthday present for Thomas's 10-year-old brother, Blazej Gawrysiak, after the siblings lost their family dog last year.

The online advert - which was removed after the Record contacted the breeder described Luna and her siblings as being nine weeks old, microchipped, "socialised" and "ready for their new homes".