Campaigners call for end to Scottish low-welfare puppy trade
The event was sponsored by Emma Harper MSP, pictured meeting Sky and Louie.
The Scottish SPCA has met with a cross-party gathering of Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to campaign for an end to Scotland’s low-welfare puppy trade.
Politicians were invited to meet the canine victims of some of the worst animal welfare cases encountered by the charity.
Among the rescued dogs in attendance were Sky and Louie, who were rescued from a prolific dealer who was convicted this year. However, Scottish SPCA say its work goes beyond individual breeders.
The event, which was sponsored by Emma Harper MSP, took place shortly before the Christmas period, when puppy dealers are most likely to take advantages of the general public.
The Crown Office warns that puppies bought from illicit breeders during the season could be funding drug traffickers and money launderers.
Scottish SPCA says that thousands of pounds enter criminal enterprises through puppy farms. It says that some designer breeds can fetch as much as £3,000.
The charity has received 2,143 calls in the past five years about puppy farms and low-welfare breeding. In 2025, the charity has so far received 220 calls from the public.
Many of the dogs which are trafficked will suffer severe health problems, costing their owners substantial veterinary bills. Others will be too ill to survive into adulthood.
The charity is calling for the creation of a National Animal Offenders Register, built into existing intelligence systems, to monitor those convicted of animal cruelty. This is expected to have further benefits by addressing the link with those who harm animals and those who go on to harm humans.
It is also urging the government to review the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, which they say needs updating to address the impact of online platforms on certain criminal behaviours.
Laura McIntyre, head of rescue and prevention at 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. 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.”
Scottish SPCA’s full manifesto can be read here.
Image © Scottish SPCA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
