Illegal dealer caught with 13 pups in Scotland had travelled from NI
AN animal welfare charity has rescued puppies from an illegal dealer who had travelled from Belfast to Cairnryan Port in Dumfries and Galloway.
The individual was caught by a special investigations unit from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
One of the 13 puppies was so ill, it had to be put down. Another required emergency treatment for breathing problems.
The rest are receiving roundthe-clock care at an animal rescue and rehoming centre.
The charity said that while the puppies were “filthy”, carrying diseases and in a poor condition when they were found, most are now “lively and bright”.
Two Maltese terriers, four miniature Jack Russells and seven Jack Russell/cocker spaniel crosses were recovered.
The dealer transporting the dogs agreed to pay veterinary bills and was given a warning.
Since the introduction of lockdown, the port has been quiet, but the charity believes puppy traders are beginning to move animals again.
The Scottish SPCA’S Mike Flynn said: “We cannot stress this enough — the supply for badly bred puppies will only disappear if public demand stops.
“Every year, thousands of pups are dying alone and in pain, at just days or weeks old, to fuel the trade. We will continue to fight the puppy trade every step of the way, but we need each and every person to do their bit to help us stop it.”
“Many responsible breeders put a hold on breeding during the pandemic, but we are aware of some breeders ramping up prices due to lack of supply.
“This could drive people to buy a puppy without doing their homework on where it’s from.”
“There are thousands of adverts on [free listings] websites for puppies, but there is no guarantee that you are buying from a responsible breeder when you shop online.
“Many dealers will use false names and phone numbers to sell a dog, making it impossible for a buyer to get a hold of them when the pup falls ill.”