Urgent appeal to care for puppies seized in crackdown on trade

The charity is again urging anyone considering buying a puppy to think carefully about where their new pet has come from.

Seizures took place as the puppies were being brought into Scotland and are now receiving care while investigations continue.

The Scottish SPCA is warning that the demand for puppies remains a key driver of the puppy trade, with people responding to online adverts and purchasing puppies without being able to properly establish where they have come from.

Potential buyers should not buy a puppy online or from anyone where they cannot verify where the dog has come from.

They should always arrange to visit the breeder and see the puppies with their mother in the breeder’s home, rather than agreeing to meet somewhere else.

People should also check that the environment is clean, warm, dry, safe and suitable, ask to see relevant paperwork including vaccination and microchipping documentation, and take the time to ask questions.

Anyone who feels pressured to make a quick decision should walk away.

A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: “Behind every puppy sold is a demand from someone looking to bring a new dog into their family.

“While there is a market for puppies that have been bred, transported or sold without proper regard for their welfare, people will continue to exploit that demand.

“We know that buying a puppy is a huge decision and that people can understandably be excited about welcoming a new member of the family.

“But it is incredibly important that potential buyers do not let that excitement override the need to ask questions and carry out proper checks.

“Our advice is do not buy a puppy online without being able to verify where it has come from. Visit the breeder, see the puppy with its mother, check the environment and paperwork, and never feel pressured into making a decision.

“The public has an important role to play in stopping this trade. Every purchase has consequences and choosing not to buy a puppy where its origins or welfare cannot be properly established will help reduce the demand that fuels this market.

“Sadly, when puppies are seized, they become our responsibility. We will do everything we can to give them the care they need, but that comes at a significant cost.

“We are incredibly grateful to Police Scotland and our other partners for their continued work with us to disrupt this trade and protect animals.”

The Scottish SPCA is currently caring for the puppies and providing them with the appropriate care and support they need.

This is placing sudden and significant pressure on the charity’s resources.

As Scotland’s only all-animal charity, the Scottish SPCA relies on public donations to provide the food, veterinary treatment and specialist care rescued animals urgently need.

The treatment for each puppy is around £52 per day and the charity is urgently appealing for donations to help meet the unexpected cost of caring for these puppies.

To donate, go to www.scottishspca.org/puppy-appeal-2026.