This week we have exhibited at The Scottish Parliament to highlight important key issues that are facing our nation of pet lovers, including their Pet Aid initiative and work combating the low-welfare puppy trade.
The Society has seen calls treble to its animal helpline this year compared to last from people who are no longer in a position to care for their animal due to the cost of living crisis.
Demand for puppies has decreased and there are now significant welfare concerns as to what happens to those mums and pups that are already in the supply chain.
We are committed to stamping out this heartless trade, worth an estimated £13 million every year in Scotland alone. While many breeders are reputable, there are dealers driven by profit who have little regard for animal welfare.
We recognise this issue is close to the hearts of many MSPs who have previously supported the Scottish SPCA's mission to eradicate the low-welfare trade in pets and have influenced monumental changes to legislation.
Emma Harper MSP said: “We are a nation that undoubtedly has a huge amount of love for dogs - and this is even more so at Christmas time where puppies are one of the most popular gifts - so hosting this event with the Scottish SPCA in parliament at this time of year is important.
“Puppy trafficking is an industry with direct links to organised crime, worth an estimated £13 million every year to Scotland. Puppies are treated like a commodity, bred in huge numbers with no regard for their welfare. The conditions in which they are born can lead to serious medical and behavioural issues and, in many instances, death at just a few weeks old.
“It’s vital to highlight the terrible trade in smuggled puppies, so people know about the dangers to the puppies when considering adding a canine member to their families. Greater public awareness means organisations like the Scottish SPCA can hopefully help people make the best possible choices. I again emphasise the importance of seeing a pup with its mum in its own home and of walking away and reporting it to the Scottish SPCA if something seems suspicious.
“Ultimately, we want to see an end to puppy trafficking once and for all, and the only real chance of doing this is to close down the demand. I urge anyone who is considering a pooch as a pressie this year to ‘paws for thought’ and consider rescuing instead of buying.”
Kirsteen Campbell, Scottish SPCA chief executive, said: “Although the low-welfare trade in puppies has slowed due to the ending of lockdown and the cost-of-living crisis we know that unscrupulous breeders are still out there targeting unsuspecting members of the public. We have seized puppies as recently as two weeks ago from low-welfare dealers.
“This trade coupled with the fact that relinquishments of animals is so high and our centres are currently at capacity means we need the public to really think if they can support an animal for their whole life before they go down the route of purchasing one. We would always encourage the public to adopt don't shop.
“We work in partnership with a number of organisations and agencies to execute Operation Delphin and our special investigations unit undertakes intelligence-led missions to target those involved with illegal puppy farming.
“Today MSPs have met Finn and Iris who were rescued from a puppy farm five years ago and thankfully were rehomed and are now in their forever home.”
Our advice to anyone considering buying a puppy.
“Trafficked pups often look fine when they are purchased, but problems will begin to show at a later stage.
“We want to remind anyone looking to buy a puppy to please follow the advice on the Say No To Puppy Dealers website.
“If you have purchased a puppy that shows any signs of illness or distress take them to a vet immediately.
“If you have any information about puppy farming or concerns about a dog you’ve purchased, call our animal helpline in confidence in 03000 999 999.”
For more information on #SayNoToPuppyDealers visit - https://www.scottishspca.org/our-work/campaigns/say-no-to-puppy-dealers
