Man sold sick puppy suffering seizures

A MAN has been found guilty of selling a sick puppy who was suffering from seizures which even lead to respiratory arrest

Patrick McCarron, 49, was slapped with a £250 fine and has been banned from owning, keeping, dealing or working with animals for three years following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

McCarron, of Rodger Way, Motherwell was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Thursday, February 8.

McCarron pled guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by failing to provide adequate veterinary treatment.

A SSPCA undercover inspector said: “McCarron sold at least one pup that had to receive extensive veterinary treatment after reaching her new owner. The pup, a border collie, was suffering from seizures which even lead to respiratory arrest.

“The cause of the seizures was most likely a severe round worm burden which caused anaemia, malnourishment and contrib- uted to her poor bodily condition.

“Thankfully as the pup received emergency veterinary treatment she made a recovery, but other puppies aren’t usually so lucky.

“Any person selling puppies has a duty of care to ensure the pups are fit at the point of sale and this should involve having them vet checked.”

The inspector added: “Our Special Investigations Unit spearhead a multi-agency taskforce who work tirelessly to bring puppy traders to justice through Operation Delphin which includes support from Dumfries and Galloway Council, ISPCA, USPCA, DSPCA, RSPCA, HMRC Trading Standards, Stenaline, Police Scotland Port unit and APHA.

“This multimillion pound industry is fuelled entirely by greed and profit with little to no consideration for the welfare of the dogs they sell.”

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