More than 60 dogs and cats have been rescued from a suspected puppy farm in Perthshire by the SSPCA after being found in atrocious conditions.

More than 60 dogs and cats have been se ized from a suspected puppy farm in Perthshire by the Scottish SPCA after being discovered in appalling conditions.

Three pregnant bitches were among the animals rescued from the property, along with three litters of puppies.

Some of the dogs were living in outdoor kennels without natural light or flooring, while others had been completely exposed to the wind and rain and were soaked through by the time the charity arrived.

The Scottish SPCA has now launched a full investigation into the case.

The animal welfare charity released grim footage of the animals’ living conditions in Perthshire and said it had launched 78 investigations into puppy farming in October alone.

The organisation said there was concern that demand for puppies over the festive period would lead to a rise in the number of cases.

A spokesperson said: “Our concern is that Christmas will further fuel demand and result in more sick puppies coming in to our care because of bad breeding.

“This puts immense pressure on our resources and teams and we need your help to provide these poor puppies with the best possible care.”

Katie M cC and lessThomas, the founder of animal group Missing Pets, Perth and Kinross, pleaded with people to do their research before purchasing any animals, saying the people behind puppy farms were “cashing in”.

She said: “It ’s very upsetting to hear of so many dogs and cats being kept in such appalling conditions. The SSPCA’S video is shocking but people need to see where they could be buying their dog or cat from.

“Prices just now are spiralling for pups. They are the highest they have ever been and puppy farms are cashing in on it.

“If you are looking at buying a dog or cat then please do your research.”

She said people should not pay a deposit before they see a puppy or kitten, and when visiting should insist they see its mother.

“If you are told mum isn’t at the property when visiting, for whatever reason, then that should be a cause for concern too,” she said.

“Alarm bells should start to ring if they say they will deliver the pup to you or meet somewhere like a car park.

“Excuses can also be made why they don’t have puppies’ paperwork or vet records and will say will forward them on.

“In some cases recently, paper work has even been forged.”

The seizure comes after a Glenrothes couple were accused of selling cockapoo pups with a deadly parvovirus for £2,500 each.

One Perthshire owner told of her heartbreak after her tiny puppy died at just nine-weeks old after she had spent nearly £3,000 in vet bills trying to save it within 10 days of picking it up from the couple.

The Scottish SPCA launched an investigation into them after receiving a number o f s im i lar complaints.

The animals from the Perthshire raid are now in the care of the Scottish SPCA which is urgently seeking donations to help pay for their care and rehabilitation. they

SUFFERING: Two of the dogs seized by the SSPCA from the property in Perthshire after being kept in poor conditions.