A Kilmarnock woman has been handed a 10-year ban on keeping animals after admitting to illegally selling puppies and failing to provide for their basic welfare needs.
Julie Taylor was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court today following her earlier guilty plea on 6 May 2025.
Taylor sold puppies without the necessary authority of a pet-selling licence and failed to take reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of 16 puppies of varying breeds. The animals were kept in poor conditions, separated prematurely from their mothers, and not provided with appropriate veterinary care or vaccinations. Many were housed in unsuitable, unhygienic environments that posed a serious risk to their health.
In addition to the ban, Taylor received a 200-hour community payback order, a five-month restriction of liberty order and was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.
An investigation by the Scottish SPCA was launched after a concerned member of the public responded to an online advert in December 2023 on the site “Pets4Home,” which listed King Charles Cavalier Spaniel puppies for sale in Kilmarnock. The advert claimed the puppies were microchipped and vet checked.
The animal emitted a strong odour, appeared lethargic and frightened
A Scottish SPCA Inspector reported: “The buyer met Taylor, who handed over the puppy described as the last available. The witness immediately noted that the animal emitted a strong odour, appeared lethargic and frightened, and had a visibly distended stomach. When questioned, Taylor was unable to provide clear answers about the puppy’s age or details about its mother.
“Within a day of purchase, the puppy’s health deteriorated rapidly. A veterinary examination revealed the puppy was significantly younger than claimed—approximately 8 weeks old rather than 10—and suffering from a respiratory infection. The puppy had not been microchipped and showed signs of poor care consistent with having come from a puppy farm.
“The puppy was prescribed antibiotics and probiotics, but her condition worsened. Further veterinary treatment identified potential lung and ear infections, as well as internal parasites. Vets noted that the animal’s suffering could have been avoided with proper health protocols and concluded the conditions were consistent with those found in illegal puppy farms.
“This case highlights the distressing consequences of the illegal puppy trade. Puppies raised in unlicensed, unregulated environments often suffer serious illness or even death due to early separation from their mothers, lack of proper care, and exposure to parasites.
We receive frequent complaints from buyers whose new puppies are seriously ill shortly after purchase
“We receive frequent complaints from buyers whose new puppies are seriously ill shortly after purchase. Many sellers use online platforms while posing as private individuals to avoid scrutiny. The financial and emotional burden placed on unsuspecting buyers is huge, and there can also be serious health risks to humans from infections such as roundworms.
“We are satisfied with the sentencing outcome, as this individual played a significant role in the illegal and unethical puppy trade. The sentence sends a clear message to others engaged in this type of activity. The scale of suffering in cases like this is unacceptable and avoidable. Stronger deterrents are needed to combat the illegal puppy trade and protect both animals and the public.”
Thoroughly research sellers when considering purchasing a pet online
The Scottish SPCA continues to urge potential buyers to adopt from reputable sources and to thoroughly research sellers when considering purchasing a pet online.
To report any act of cruelty, visit the Scottish SPCA website here.
