Scottish SPCA renews warning after surge in sick puppy-farm dogs
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THE Scottish SPCA has renewed calls for the public to buy pups safely after a recent surge in reports of seriously ill puppies.
The animal welfare charity says a rise in demand and inflated prices have led to an escalation in the number of bad puppy breeders.
In October alone Scottish SPCA inspectors launched 78 investigations into reports of puppy farming.
Puppies bought from fraudulent breeders are at higher risk of behavioural issues and health problems.
A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: "Our animal helpline has fielded 523 calls from people with concerns about puppy farming so far in 2020, and it is believed dealers are using coronavirus restrictions to confuse buyers into parting with significant amounts of cash due to the inflated prices of dogs."
Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: "The combination of coronavirus restrictions and extortionate prices of puppies is being manipulated by puppy traders selling badly bred dogs.
"There are things we would urge any buyer to do, such as insist on seeing the pup they are buying at the seller’s home or premises with their mum.
"At the moment, we know many dealers are telling unsuspecting members of the public to meet them in a car park or public space to pass over the dog safely. The seller will often be wearing a mask and afterwards they are impossible to get a hold of when the pup gets sick.
"Prices have sky-rocketed in 2020 as responsible breeders scaled back due to the restrictions, yet demand increased as many people were stuck at home.
"Now dealers can charge more than ever before and sell more easily than they’ve previously been able to."
He added: "The root of this problem is public demand.
"As we approach Christmas, we are frightened by the prospect of the general public flocking to these people to buy sick and ill puppies.
"The onus is on everyone single person in Scotland to put this despicable trade out of business."
Scotland’s national consumer advice service – consumeradvice.scot – issued a warning to would-be puppy buyers as Christmas approaches.
It says all would-be owners should ensure a video call can be arranged in the absence of going to see the puppy to check the dog’s mother is present and its environment is safe.
It adds that people shouldn’t part with money until they have seen the puppy, as many scammers demand deposits and add-ons for vaccinations for pets which don’t even exist.
Marjorie Gibson, head of operations at consumeradvice.scot, said: "These reports are very concerning.
"If you are suspicious about the seller – if they can’t answer basic questions or provide documentation – then you should walk away, no matter how cute the puppy seems."
Anyone who believes they come in to contact with a puppy dealer can call the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999 or consumeradvice.scot on 0808 164 6000.
