The Scottish SPCA welcomed Local MSP Emma Harper to their Lanarkshire Rescue and Rehoming Centre on Friday 25 November to meet puppies and a dog seized from puppy traffickers in her move to seek a Members’ Business debate at Holyrood to highlight the practice of illegal puppy trafficking.
Scotland’s animal welfare charity has been spearheading a multi-agency fight against the ruthless puppy trading industry and welcomes Harper’s move to seek a debate at the Scottish Parliament on the topic.
Emma said, “The illegal farming and trafficking of puppies is both bad for animal welfare and commonly linked to serious and organised crime. On both counts we should be taking action to tackle this issue.
“The Scottish SPCA has been doing some excellent work which is resulting in the seizure of puppies and, ultimately, in prosecutions.
“I want to do what I can to help, so I hope to lead a Members’ Business debate at Holyrood to further highlight the extent of this problem, the action that a range of agencies and the Scottish SPCA in particular are taking to tackle it, and to start a debate on what more we can do to promote animal welfare and make life as difficult as possible for the illegal puppy traffickers.
Harper went on to say, “I also want to highlight the contribution of Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Trading Standards staff, who have worked particularly closely and effectively with the Scottish SPCA to detect puppy trafficking through the port at Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway
“It’s important that, as well as looking at what more needs to be done, we also recognise the good work that is already taking place”.
An undercover inspector from the Society’s Special Investigations Unit said,
“We are currently working alongside partner organisations in Operation Delphin to tackle the multi-million pound puppy farming industry including ISPCA, USPCA, DSPCA, RSPCA, HMRC Trading Standards, Stenaline, Police Scotland Port unit and APHA.
“When trafficked pups reach their new owner via the dealers they often develop diseases such as parvo virus and giardia. Often the young dogs die from these diseases which is extremely distressing for the owners.
The charity has issued advice to anyone considering buying a puppy,
“Trafficked pups often look fine when they are purchased, but problems will begin to show at a later stage. By which time money has exchanged hands and the selling agent is long gone.
“We want to remind anyone looking to buy a puppy over the festive period please only go to reputable breeders, a list of breeders can be provided by the Kennel Club.
“Always view the mother of any puppies that are for sale when the pups are still feeding from the mother, where possible it is best to view both parents. Never buy a puppy from a car park or allow for home delivery without viewing visiting the breeder’s premises.
“If you have purchased a puppy that shows any signs of illness or distress take it to the vet immediately.”
Anyone with concerns or information about puppy trafficking should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Information is received in strict confidence and can be left anonymously.
