MSPs back calls to end Scotland’s illegal puppy trade after meeting rescued dogs
MSPs have backed calls to end Scotland’s illegal puppy trade after meeting rescued dogs.
Politicians gathered at the Scottish Parliament for an event organised by animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA, where they heard first-hand accounts of animal suffering and organised crime linked to low-welfare breeding.
The event, sponsored by MSP Emma Harper, featured dogs rescued from illegal breeders, including Sky and Louie.
Louie was found in extremely poor conditions linked to a prolific dealer convicted earlier this year, highlighting the brutal reality of Scotland’s illegal puppy trade.
Emma Harper said: "I was pleased to host the Scottish SPCA in Parliament today and show MSPs for themselves some of the victims of this pernicious trade.
"We know the law-breaking involved in puppy farming doesn’t usually stop at their contempt for animals and their welfare – it also extends to organised crime and wider criminality.
"It is crucially important to make sure the message is shared to policy-makers in our national parliament.
"This is vital if we want to tackle this cruel and heart-breaking trade and those behind it."
The Scottish SPCA reported receiving 2143 calls about suspected puppy farms and low-welfare breeding in the last five years.
So far this year, it has already logged 220 reports.
Laura McIntyre, head of rescue and prevention at the Scottish SPCA, said: "The stories we have shared today show the reality behind Scotland’s low-welfare puppy trade.
"This is not about ‘bad breeders’.
"It is organised, deliberate cruelty carried out for profit.
"Puppies suffer, families are left devastated and criminals make money from misery.
"My thanks to Emma Harper and all MSPs who joined us."
The Scottish SPCA used the event to draw attention to its recently published manifesto, which calls for key reforms to better protect animals across Scotland.
It also used the event to renew calls for a National Animal Offenders Register and modernised legislation.
Moreover, the charity has called for a review of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 to address how online platforms are used to promote, advertise and enable certain criminal behaviours, including animal fighting.
Laura said: "We need stronger tools to deal with this problem, including implementation of a National Animal Offenders Register and modernised legislation that recognises the ways online platforms are increasingly used to facilitate and promote cruelty."
The Scottish SPCA warned that the illegal trade often spikes around Christmas, as dealers exploit public demand for puppies.
The Crown Office has warned that proceeds from puppy farms can fuel organised crime, including drug trafficking and money laundering, with some puppies selling for as much as £3000.
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Sineidin Corrins, procurator fiscal at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: "Illegal puppy farming has grown significantly among serious organised crime gangs as a way of raising finance.
"It plays a fundamental part in financing crime in Scotland.
"The public should be aware that these gangs are involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and money laundering."
The Scottish SPCA leads the UK and Irish Pet Trade Taskforce.
Emma Harper echoed this advice and praised the work of the Scottish SPCA, Police Scotland and other authorities involved.
She said: "The Scottish SPCA are doing a tremendous job, as do Police Scotland and the criminal justice authorities, but ultimately this market would disappear overnight if the demand disappeared – and that means buying puppies through reputable and legitimate sellers."
