Prolific puppy dealer handed six-year ban on owning animals

Sean McDonagh, from Omagh in Northern Ireland, has been handed a six-year animal disqualification order after pleading guilty to five animal welfare charges and one licensing regulations offence.

McDonaugh will be banned from owning, keeping, selling and transporting animals, or working with them in any way, as well as from running a service where he’s in charge of any animals, for six years. He was also sentenced to pay a £4,800 fine.

McDonagh caused unnecessary suffering to three golden retriever puppies by failing to seek urgent veterinary care, ultimately leading to the death of one. He also sold Labrador puppies without holding a valid pet-selling licence. All the puppies had been separated prematurely from their mothers and not provided with appropriate vaccinations.

In September 2024, an investigation was launched by the Scottish SPCA Special Investigation Unite after Police Scotland raised concerns that McDonagh was selling puppies from the back of his van at a public car park in Renfrew. Police officers attended the car park alongside SSPCA inspectors and found three labrador puppies in two carriers in the rear of McDonagh’s van in very poor conditions that posed serious risk to their health.

The puppies had no water provided, insufficient bedding and one of them was severely underweight and lethargic.

A Scottish Special Investigations Unit inspector said: “Upon arrival, it was clear the puppies were being kept in poor and unsafe conditions. One of them was visibly underweight and appeared to be significantly ill. It looked like McDonagh has been living in the van.

All three puppies were removed from McDonagh’s care and taken for urgent veterinary treatment. All were found to have low body condition scores and, two were microchipped but had not been registered.

Three other puppies purchased from McDonaugh by members of the public were also underweight, and tested positive for serious and often deadly illnesses including Giardia, severe enteritis, ear infections and Parvovirus. Two of the dogs were nursed back to health and have since been rehomed into loving families. Tragically, one could not be saved and was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

This case highlights the devastating impact of the low-welfare puppy trade. The Scottish SPCA continues to urge the public to adopt from reputable sources or rescue centres, and to thoroughly research sellers when considering purchasing a pet. 

The Scottish SPCA inspector added: “We are pleased with the outcome of the court’s decision. This was one of the most harrowing cases I worked on. The dogs were in terrible conditions and deeply distressed. The back of that van is an image that will forever stay with me.

“McDonaugh caused huge pain to the puppies and left the owners who went on to purchase them heartbroken.

“As we head into Christmas, we urge members of the public who are thinking of purchasing a puppy, to please research the seller, meet the puppy’s mum, and walk away and report it if something feels wrong. We are continuing to work tirelessly to put an end to the low-welfare puppy trade.”

If you are considering purchasing a puppy, please read our advice.

If a puppy you have purchased shows any signs of illness or distress take them to a vet immediately, and if you are in Scotland, please contact our team on 03000 999 999.

The Scottish SPCA encourages anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal or if they suspect signs of animal neglect to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.