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Scottish SPCA launch dog ownership survey
Chocolate Labrador Daisy suffers from hip dysplasia and can be "quite hyper".

Survey to investigate how puppy farming impacts behaviour

A survey to investigate how puppy farming can affect the behaviour of dogs has been launched by the Scottish SPCA in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh.

The Dog Ownership Questionnaire examines dog behaviour and health, calling on dog owners to give detail about where they purchased their dog, information about their dog and some information about themselves.

Puppy farming is big business in Scotland, with breeders operating from their own premises. Every year, thousands of dogs are also brought into the country and sold on for huge profit.

“When trafficked pups reach their new owner via the dealers they often develop diseases such as parvo virus and giardia. Often the young dogs die from these diseases which can be extremely distressing for the owners,” explained Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn.

One dog owner who has first hand-experience in caring for a trafficked puppy is Mike Grubb. Mike adopted chocolate Labrador Daisy from the Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Lanarkshire back in 2014, after she was illegally brought into Scotland from Ireland.

“We usually go to a Kennel Club approved breeder to get our dogs but decided to rescue Daisy after she captured our heart,” he said. “She’s a special dog, and we love her to pieces but she has quite a few problems including hip dysplasia and she can be quite hyper.”

The Scottish SPCA are now reminding people that anyone looking to buy a puppy should go to reputable, registered breeders.

“Always view the mother of any puppies that are for sale when the pups are still feeding from the mother, where possible it is best to view both parents. Never buy a puppy from a car park or allow for home delivery without visiting the breeder’s premises,” Flynn added.

“If you have purchased a puppy that shows any signs of illness or distress take it to a vet immediately.”

Image (C) Scottish SPCA

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.