Pups trafficked from Ireland were often in poor health

Following sentencing, an undercover SSPCA inspector said Jaimie Colquhoun had gone to “extraordinary lengths” to get the puppies. The canines she sold were found to have had parvovirus, ear infections, kennel cough, worms and diarrhoea, they said. “Colquhoun had bred a few of these pups and trafficked the majority of them from the Republic of Ireland. “Unfortunately, the puppy trade is big business in Scotland with thousands of dogs being brought into the country each year from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in particular from large-scale puppy farms. “Colquhoun went to extraordinary lengths. She travelled by rail and ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, often during the night. “Adverts were then posted on sites like Gumtree in an attempt to sell them on at a huge profit. “Colquhoun ultimately put profit before welfare and this case highlights how the illegal puppy trade is a low-risk, high-reward industry. “Whilst we’re disappointed that she did not receive a ban, we do welcome the fact that she has been dealt with by the court.” The official added: “We currently feel sentencing for animal abuse is very inconsistent in Scotland and we would like to see an increase in the maximum jail sentence which would provide the sheriff with a greater range of options. “Operation Delphin is a taskforce made up of the Scottish SPCA, the RSPCA, the DSPCA, the ISPCA, and the USPCA with support from HMRC, Police Scotland’s Port Unit and Stena Line. “All of whom have the same goal – to bring an end to this cruel trade. “Anyone with information about the illegal puppy trade should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 where all information is treated in the strictest confidence.”