Criminal gangs trading in puppies could leave many families heartbroken this Christmas.
Unsuspecting buyers are forking out thousands of pounds for designer breeds reared in horrific conditions by illegal traders whose only interest is making as much money as possible.
Now Crown Office prosecutors have warned parents not to be taken in by online adverts offering dogs for sale, warning many of the animals are seriously ill and often too sick to survive.
READ MORE: Glasgow teenager 'scammed' by puppy farmer devastated after dog dies
New figures reveal that one in four people buy a dog from a puppy farm, often without realising.
A Scottish Multi-Agency Strategic Threat Assessment (SMASTA) report published last month revealed the illegal trade is believed to be worth £13million and pets are often sold online, particularly via Gumtree, free ads and Pets4Homes.
Sought after breeds like Chow Chows and Cavapoos can sell for up to £3,000 each.
Today, prosecutors urged people to double-check the legitimacy of sellers if they are buying a dog for Christmas.
Laura Buchan, Procurator Fiscal for Specialist Casework, said: “We realise the popular attraction that many people have of buying a puppy as a Christmas present.
“Organised crime gangs have infiltrated this activity and continue to use the profits they accrue from it to inflict widespread harm on communities throughout Scotland.
“Illegal puppy farming has grown significantly among serious organised crime gangs as a vital way of raising finance. These gangs are involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and money laundering.
“We would urge people to ensure they buy dogs from properly licensed breeders or from recognised outlets.”
According to the report, there are currently three organised crime gangs involved in the illicit puppy trade, and a further seven groups recorded as having links to puppy farms and dog trading businesses.
Demand for puppies during the Covid-19 pandemic soared to unprecedented levels as thousands of people sought companionship in a pet.
However, that increased interest led to a huge jump in the cost of puppies, many of them illegally imported from Ireland.
Criminal gangs in the Irish Republic and the north have used Cairnryan port as a main channel for bringing badly bred pups to the UK.
Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, of Police Scotland, said: “Unauthorised breeding is extremely serious and has a significant impact on dogs’ welfare. We would urge anyone considering buying a puppy to look into breeders before committing to purchasing.
“Police Scotland takes this type of activity very seriously and will fully investigate any cases.”
Puppies bought from unlicensed breeders and dealers frequently suffer from behavioural issues, congenital health defects and infectious diseases. Owners can be left with massive vet bills, quarantine costs and in many cases the death of their pup.
A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA said: “Puppies are treated like a commodity, bred in huge numbers with no regard for their welfare. The conditions they are born in lead to serious medical and behavioural issues and, in many instances, death at just a few weeks old.
“Our special investigations unit investigated hundreds of reports of puppy farms last year. They have successfully raided puppy farms and individuals involved in the greed-driven trade have been prosecuted.”
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