Fined for selling sick border collie

A Motherwell man found guilty of selling a sick border collie puppy has been fined and banned from working with animals.

Patrick McCarron received a £250 fine and has been forbidden from owning, keeping, dealing or working with animals for three years following a Scottish SPCA investigation.

The 49-year-old, of Rodger Way, was sentenced at Hamilton Sheriff Court on February 8 after he pled guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by failing to provide adequate veterinary treatment.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, an undercover inspector said:“McCarron sold at least one pup that had to receive extensive veterinary treatment after reaching her new owner.

“The pup, a border collie, was suffering from seizures which even led to respiratory arrest.

“The cause of the seizures was most likely a severe round worm burden which caused anaemia, malnourishment and contributed to her poor bodily condition.

“Thankfully as the pup received emergency veterinary treatment she made a recovery, but other puppies aren’t usually so lucky.”

They added:“Any person selling puppies has a duty of care to ensure the pups are fit at the point of sale and this should involve having them vet checked.

“This multi-million pound industry is fuelled entirely by greed and profit with little to no consideration for the welfare of the dogs they sell.”