SSPCA tackles bad breeders as lockdown sparks 'massive’ rise in demand for puppies

The free scheme was launched as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle the low-welfare puppy trade.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity has seen a massive increase in public demand for puppies during lockdown.

But, this led to bad breeders taking advantage of the situation, and putting profit over the welfare of the pets.

The SSPCA said puppies have been taken from their mothers too early or were riddled with infectious diseases caught due to lack of vaccinations or the unsanitary conditions they were raised in.

This led to many puppies passing away in their new homes or owners having to pay for expensive veterinary treatment.

Gilly Mendes Ferreira, Scottish SPCA head of education, policy and research, said: “Now, more than ever, we need to provide assurance for the public that they are buying a puppy from responsible breeders.

“We currently have a breeder in Dunfermline but we are looking for more reputable breeders in Fife to help us tackle the low-welfare puppy trade.”

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The voluntary scheme is available to any dog breeder in Scotland.

SSPCA inspectors will assess applications and visit breeding premises annually to make sure high welfare standards are in place.

Gilly added: “Our mantra is ‘adopt don’t shop’ and we will always advocate rescuing rather than buying.

But, as long as puppies are suffering due to this industry, we will do what we can to bring down this despicable trade.

“The pandemic and public demand for puppies has led to more reports to our animal helpline about unscrupulous dealers who want to make money fast with no regard for animal welfare.

“Sadly, public demand for the ‘next-day delivery’ of a puppy remains sky-high and this is fuelling the multi-million-pound low-welfare trade.”

She added: “We’ll continue to tackle traders and dodgy dealers, but we also want to highlight the breeders who prioritise the welfare of parents and pups.

“We know there are thousands of across the country who do just that and we hope many of them will join this scheme. “

www.saynotopuppydealers.co.uk

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