MSP calls for end to puppy trade

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has lent her support to a campaign against illegal puppy farms.

She has signed a pledge called #saynotopuppydealers in a bid to clamp down on the trade.

Thousands of puppies are born illegally each year, which the Scottish Government estimates to be worth £13m in 2017 in Scotland alone.

Many of these puppies are kept in horrendous conditions, are often removed from their mothers too early – causing distress, harm and health problems – all in the name of a quick profit.

Ms Haughey said: “I am supporting the #saynotopuppydealers campaign to raise awareness of the illegal puppy trade and to help people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang realise that, although it can be hard to walk away from a puppy that looks like it needs your help, purchasing a puppy from puppy farms in the illegal trade will only fuel the industry and another dog will soon take its place.

“There are thousands of dogs across Scotland in rescue centres needing a home, yet the illegal trade in puppies continues to be a lucrative source of income for many.

“We need to do all we can to reject this trade and ultimately improve animal welfare by starving the industry of profit.

“The advice of this new joint campaign is to walk away, report your concerns, and stop the trade.

“I hope more people will join me and sign the #saynotopuppydealers pledge.”

The campaign has been launched by the Scottish SPCA, along with the SNP Scottish Government, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, RSPCA, Battersea Dogs Trust, the University of Edinburgh, PAAG, Trading Standards Scotland, One Kind, Blue Cross and BSAVA. More information at www. saynotopuppydealers.co.uk.