Scottish SPCA

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Woman seen selling puppies from car boot

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a woman was seen selling puppies from a car boot in a supermarket car park.

We were alerted by a concerned member of the public who witnessed the offence on Saturday afternoon (20 October) between 12.30pm and 1pm outside the Asda store in Galashiels.

Our inspector contacted Asda who were able to provide CCTV footage of a female selling German shepherd pups from the boot of a silver Ford Ka. She is described as white, aged between 25 and 35, with an Eastern European accent. She also had brown hair which was tied back.

We are now appealing to anyone who purchased a puppy or was offered one by this woman to come forward to help them with their investigation.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, "Selling animals in a public place and selling animals without a license are criminal offences under the Pet Animals Act 1951.

"We believe that at least one puppy was sold and we are very keen to speak to the person who purchased it, although we must stress that this is only to help us with our enquiries and they have not committed an offence by buying the dog.

"The vehicle appears to be from Southern Ireland and we are keen to identify the female who was selling the pups.

"It's possible these dogs have been bred in a puppy farm in Ireland and were then transported here for sale.

"We would have serious concerns for the health and welfare of the pups as it's very likely they have been driven over from Ireland. Unfortunately we, and anyone buying one of these puppies, can't know what provisions were made for them or whether they have been vet checked and vaccinated.

"In our opinion, anyone who would sell a puppy out of a car boot to a complete stranger has no concern for their well-being and doesn't care whether they are going to responsible owners. They are only interested in making a profit.

"People should never buy any animal from someone who is selling them in a public place and anyone who witnesses such activity should contact us or the police immediately.

"It's possible this woman also tried to sell these puppies in other car parks and public places in the area over the weekend so we are asking people to think back and to call us if they remember anything at all."

Anyone with information is being urged to contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.