Make sure you see the dog’s mum

Scotland’s consumer advice service has issued fresh warnings about illicit puppy breeders operating across the country.

Lockdown restrictions have seen a rise in demand for pets, which in turn has led to an increase in puppy farms and breeders who don’t look after the welfare of the puppy or its mother.

An investigation carried out by our sister paper, the Daily Record has revealed that organised gangs of puppy farmers are using rented flats as shop fronts to lure in victims.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, has urged people considering buying a puppy to carry out extensive research before agreeing to a deal, and to thoroughly check out the person making the sale.

Puppies without paperwork and certificates should not be purchased, and buyers should insist on seeing the puppy at home with its mother.

Marjorie Gibson, head of operations with Advice Direct Scotland, which runs consumeradvice.scot, said: “Lockdown has resulted in more and more people considering getting a puppy for their household.

“That trend has led to an increase in illegal breeders and puppy farms, who sell puppies which are not ready to leave their mother and haven’t had the correct treatment or vaccinations.

“That can often result in the dog becoming extremely unwell and even dying.

“Anyone who doubts the credentials of a puppy seller should trust their instincts and pull out of the sale.

“Suspicious activity should also be reported to the police or Scottish SPCA.”