The Scottish SPCA is warning the public not to underestimate the scale of the low-welfare puppy trade, following the sentencing of various prolific puppy dealers.
In recent months, the charity’s animal 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. Scottish SPCA Inspectors are working tirelessly to tackle the issue, but public demand for easily accessible puppies is fuelling this harmful trade.
The problem extends far beyond a small number of convicted individuals
The society is aware that social media groups have been set up, by members of the public, to raise awareness of recently sentenced dealers. While the Scottish SPCA welcomes the public’s engagement, it is urging people to understand that the problem extends far beyond a small number of convicted individuals, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and encouraging the public to report any suspicious activity.
Anyone purchasing a puppy should ask for the appropriate documentation, including microchipping documentation, vaccination cards, evidence of flea and worming treatments, and insurance details. If a puppy has been bred or sold illegally, this information can be crucial when launching an investigation.
The low-welfare trade does not begin and end with one individual
A Scottish SPCA Special Investigations Unit Inspector said: “The recent cases have understandably raised concerns among puppy owners, but it is important for the public to understand that the low-welfare puppy trade does not begin and end with one individual.
“This is a highly profitable criminal activity that often involves networks of breeders and dealers working together. 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.”
The Scottish SPCA leads the Pet Trade Taskforce, a multi-agency enforcement group, which is dedicated to disrupting the low-welfare puppy trade and continuously urges the public to play their part.
2,143 calls relating to suspected low-welfare breeding operations
Over the past five years, the Scottish SPCA has received 2,143 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.
Thousands of pounds are funnelled into organised criminal activity each year through the sale of puppies bred and kept in incredibly poor conditions. Some designer breeds can sell for as much as £3,000, making the trade highly profitable for those willing to put profit over animal welfare.
People looking to buy should thoroughly research a potential breeder before purchasing a puppy online. Under no circumstances should a seller bring a puppy out to you. Even if you are met outside a property or at an alternative location, you should enter the premises and personally observe the mother with the litter. Make sure to check the environment is clean and suitable, and that the puppy looks alert, is active and healthy.
Even well-intentioned attempts to “rescue” the puppy can unintentionally fuel the trade
If something doesn’t feel right or you can’t verify where the puppy is coming from, walk away and do not purchase the animal. The charity cautions that even well-intentioned attempts to ‘rescue’ the puppy from a suspicious seller can unintentionally fuel the trade.
If you notice behaviour that could relate to serious and organised animal welfare crimes in your area, please submit a report to the charity’s Special Investigations Unit.
It’s crucial to prevent future harms and tackle repeat offering
The Scottish SPCA’s key mission is to safeguard the welfare of all of Scotland’s animals, and we are tirelessly working to also make this a top priority for parliamentarians. Our recently published Manifesto outlines four key asks which will help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of animal welfare. Delivering on these asks is crucial to prevent future harm and tackle repeat offending, which will help achieve our mission to make Scotland the best place in the world for an animal to call home.
Read our full Manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
Please read further information on buying responsibly and protecting animal welfare. To report any act of cruelty, visit Report a Concern page.
