60 dogs seized in puppy farm probe

● Total of 78 animals in care as adverts raise suspicions

An animal welfare charity has seized dozens of dogs from a suspected puppy farm in Moray. The Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland launched a joint operation after Moray Council’s trading standards team noticed an unusual increase in the number of similar online adverts for the pets.

Now it has been revealed 60 dogs have been taken into care by the charity following a raid on a property – with the total since rising to 78 after two of them gave birth to litters.

Puppy farms involve the animals being intensively bred to generate profit. However, dogs born in the cages are more likely to suffer life-threatening illnesses or develop behaviour issues in later life.

An investigation launched by the charity remains ongoing to establish whether criminal offences have taken place at the Moray site.

Kirsteen Campbell, the Scottish SPCA’s chief executive, said: “Our animal care and veterinary experts have been selflessly working around the clock to provide care for these animals since the raid.

“While it is an immense challenge, the main thing is these dogs are all receiving an amazing amount of love and care.”

Moray Council and the charity have declined to comment on the location of the suspected puppy farm due to sensitivities regarding the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the charity has launched an appeal for puppy milk and cotton pads to clean the animals, amid estimates it is costing welfare teams £15 per day to care for each of the animals seized – leading to weekly bills of more than £8,000.

Moray Council’s trading standards manager Karen Sievewright said: “Our officers’ remit is to deal with consumer protection.

“However, a situation like this throws up many issues which require the expertise of different agencies.

“I’m pleased that through collaborative working, we’ve been able to safeguard the

“Our animal care and veterinary experts have been selflessly working around the clock to provide care for these animals since the raid”

welfare of the puppies and stop future customers from being exploited.”

PC Sarah Appleby added: “We supported the Scottish SPCA and partner agencies in relation to a search warrant at an address in the Moray area due to concerns about the welfare of animals.

“A number of dogs and puppies have been seized and are now in the care of the Scottish SPCA.

“Officers will continue to work with partner agencies to progress inquiries.”

PC David Wardell with dog Finn, whose name has been given to a new law