The RSPCA has received 391 reports of dogs in trouble in Oxfordshire this year, it has revealed.

The charity revealed the figure as it raised the alarm that ‘lockdown puppies’ could add to an growing canine 'welfare crisis' in the country.

During lockdown, Google searches for ‘puppies near me’ soared with 15,000 searches compared to 2,000 in January 2020, the RSPCA said.

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Government figures show the number of licences issued for the commercial import of dogs more than doubled from 5,964 between June and August in 2019 to 12,733 for the same three-month period this year.

The RSPCA believe that these figures suggest the ‘lockdown puppy’ trend is fuelling the breeding and importing of young dogs.

The charity warned that this was a potentially exploitative and damaging trade which can cause suffering to the puppies.

Experts at RSPCA fear there is an impending dog welfare crisis on the horizon for 2021.

It is feared that ,as families return to normal, they may no longer be able to take care of a puppy that they bought in lockdown. The charity is also concerned that the end of furlough and the recession could mean many will not be able to afford to look after their pets which could put pressure on already stretched rescue centres.

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The RSPCA is urging people to ensure they can commit long-term to a dog before bringing one home, and suggests rescuing a puppy.

Chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “We have seen a rise in people searching for dogs to adopt during lockdown, which is fantastic, but at the same time, there appears to be a rise in people looking to buy puppies.

“If families would prefer to buy a dog, we’re encouraging them to use The Puppy Contract. This is a free online tool that will help find responsible breeders.”