Puppy trade warning

A WARNING has been issued to the public not to underestimate the scale of the low-welfare puppy trade. The Scottish SPCA say in recent months, their helpline has seen a spike in reports from concerned owners who believe their puppies may be linked to a recently convicted puppy dealer(s) already known to the Scottish SPCA. These puppies often display concerning health issues costing owners thousands in vet bills or even resulting in the puppy’s death. The low-welfare puppy trade operates through organised criminal networks involving multiple breeders, dealers and transporters, many of whom are still trying to sell these often very unwell puppies to unsuspecting families. Some designer breeds can sell for as much as £3000, making the trade highly profitable for those willing to put profit over animal welfare. Inspectors are working to tackle the issue, but public demand for easily accessible puppies is fuelling this harmful trade. They are encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity and advise anyone purchasing a puppy to ask for the appropriate documentation, including microchipping documentation, vaccination cards, evidence of flea and worming treatments, and insurance details. This information can be crucial when launching an investigation.

A spokesperson said: "While awareness is growing, many of these puppy dealers are still operating today, which is why public vigilance is so important in helping us tackle the issue.” Over the past five years, the Scottish SPCA has received 2143 calls to its confidential animal helpline relating to suspected low-welfare breeding operations. Over the past two years, they have attended 351 jobs related to the low-welfare puppy trade.