The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
MSP’S warning over online puppy trade
COURT: Liam Kerr speaks out after Dundee woman found guilty of selling dogs without a licence
The conviction of a Tayside woman who bought farmed puppies in Ireland and sold them in Angus and Dundee car park deals should serve as a warning about the danger of online pet purchases, an MSP has said.
Jaimie Colquhoun will be sentenced next month after being found guilty at Forfar Sheriff Court of selling dogs without a licence in Arbroath and Dundee.
She was caught as part of an attempt by agencies on both sides of the Irish Sea to combat the trade.
A sheriff has warned the 26-yearold, of Dunholme Road, Dundee, that a ban on keeping animals is one of the sentencing options available.
Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: “The sale of any kind of animal via websites can be fraught with difficulty, as buyers often don’t know the background or health of their new pet.
“I would urge prospective buyers to check the provenance of online sellers before agreeing to buy.”
He also urged potential pet owners to support the work of animal charities by considering rehoming pets.
“We also have many excellent rehoming centres in Scotland, with thousands of pets waiting for new, loving homes,” he said.
The court heard Colquhoun was offered immunity from prosecution if she went undercover to expose those involved in the puppy trade, but she declined.
Colquhoun’s activities, which the court heard involved her travelling as a ferry foot passenger to buy litters from a man she knew only as Thomas, before bringing them home in carriers and selling the pups via Gumtree, came to the attention of agencies involved in Scottish SPCA-LED Operation Delphin.
Involving animal welfare organisations, police, Customs and Trading Standards, it has led to several prosecution sand dozens of young dogs being seized before falling into the hands of unscrupulous dealers for sale to unsuspecting pet lovers.
An undercover inspector from the Scottish SPCA Special Investigations Unit said: “We are pleased Colquhoun has been found guilty following our investigation.
“The court will now decide on the appropriate sentence.
“Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 this may include a ban on keeping animals.”
The inspector added: “This investigation was a result of work carried out under Operation Delphin.
“The Special Investigations Unit of the SSPCA spearhead the fight against the multi-million-pound illegal puppy trade alongside partner organisations.”
gbrown@thecourier.co.uk