Hamper funds help boost charity efforts
Strath dog lovers have done their bit in a bid to help a national welfare charity currently caring for more than 60 dogs and cats after seizing animals from an address in Perthshire.
Sharon and Nicola Fridge, of Top2Tails grooming parlour in Crieff, and dog walker Michele Bilsland of Home Alone were prompted into action after seeing the Scottish SPCA was looking after dogs and cats, including pregnant bitches and young puppies, that had alledgedly been kept in terrible conditions.
The trio organised a raffle of a massive hamper to raise funds to support the rescued animals and this week presented the prize to lucky winner Logan McInally from Gilmerton.
Sharon told the Herald: “We saw that the cats and dogs had been seized in our own area so we decided to help out so they could get some sort of comfort and the chance of a better life.
“They had been left out in all elements and it really pulled on our heartstrings.”
Michele added: “The hamper was filled with doggy-related items, including a night for two and a dog at Leven House Hotel, vouchers for Crieff Vets, Home
Alone and Strathearn Snapshots Pet Photography, and lots of treats from Top2Tails. We raised £273 and I’m going to up it to £300.”
Logan’s mum Debbie said the family was chuffed to win and support a good cause, although Logan wasn’t too amused when he discovered the hamper was full of items for the dogs!
The SSPCA has vowed to continue to fight against unscrupulous dog breeders following a huge spike in low-welfare puppy farming during the pandemic as demand for pets rises.
And the charity is warning potential buyers to be aware following a separate case where a puppy bought on Gumtree passed away in December, less than 24 hours after it was welcomed into a family’s home.
The family paid £ 920 for Milo, who was advertised as an eight week-old Jack Russell.
The buyer asked to meet the puppy’s mother and was told that it wasn’t possible due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The seller then turned up at the buyer’s house with the pup.
Although the member of the public could see straight away that something was not right with the dog, they feared what would happen to him if they refused the sale.
Milo was taken to the vets the following morning and hospitalised the same day.
He turned out to actually be a fourweek-old Border Collie and his illness was due to being taken from his mother at too young an age. Attempts to contact the breeder failed.
Speaking of Milo’s case, Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said:
“Unfortunately puppy dealers are using the pandemic restrictions to trick the public.
“Milo was microchipped but the chip didn’t match the address and he also had false vaccination papers.”
CS Flynn is warning the public to be extra vigilant when buying a puppy and not to accept any excuse not to see the puppy with its mother.
He added: “The public needs to remember that these low- welfare breeders are master manipulators and are skilled at deceiving people. No matter how plausible the excuse, do not accept it. You must see pup with mum, that is the bottom line.
“We would always advise adopting over buying a pet but those with their hearts set on buying a puppy should do their research and make sure they are buying from a responsible breeder.”
He continued: “There has been a huge spike in low welfare puppy farming due to coronavirus. We will continue fighting against puppy dealers but they will continue to operate as long as the demand is there.”
For any concerns regarding animal welfare issues, call 03000 999 999.
To find out how to spot a low-welfare breeder, visit www.saynotopuppydealers.