Puppies aren’t presents

'Tis the season of joy and giving. And for many families, the thought of seeing their loved ones’ faces light up as they discover a fluffy four-legged friend under the Christmas tree is irresistibly heart warming. Sadly, the reality is often much darker.?

The demand for puppies skyrockets during the festive period, and unscrupulous people who care nothing for animal welfare are ready and waiting to fill the gap in the market. Low welfare puppy farming is a multi-million pound business in Scotland. This greed-driven industry comes at the expense of the dogs and puppies, and with little regard for their health and wellbeing.?

Kept in cramped and unsanitary conditions, females are forced to produce litter after litter, far beyond what their bodies can cope with. And the emotional toll on families who then discover their fluffy little bundle of joy is plagued with serious medical conditions or behavioural problems is devastating. It turns what should be a joyous occasion into a heart breaking experience. Sadly, some of these puppies won’t live to see their next Christmas.

Our special investigations unit has the complex job of disrupting the low welfare pet trade. Last December, they uncovered a puppy farm at an address in central Scotland. The conditions were horrendous.?

It’s taken the majority of this year, and we’re so pleased to share that all of the animals rescued will be spending a cosy Christmas with their forever families.?

Peggy Sue was just one of the many animals rescued that day. She is now enjoying life on Shetland with Mary and her two kittens. Despite her difficult start in life, Peggy Sue hasn’t let her past phase her, and loves making new friends. She now spends her days being free at the beach or going for long walks, a far cry from the horrendous situation we rescued her from.?

We’ll be sharing more about Peggy Sue’s story of this week on social channels as we shine a light on the vital work of our special investigations unit. I can honestly say I have never experienced anything quite like going out with my dedicated colleagues on one of their investigations. Horrifying given the situation, and inspiring given the team's expertise, professionalism and compassion. I am impressed by my incredible Scottish SPCA colleagues every single day.

The industry in pets is a cross border issue. Last week, I chaired a Pet Trade Taskforce with representatives from all five UK and Ireland SPCAs, different governments, HMRC and other parties involved in tackling this cruel trade. Working in partnership like this has never been more important given both the scale of this hideous trade and the speed at which it is changing.?

Disrupting the low welfare pet trade to protect animals from harm is very much a part of our 2024 plans. In fact we want to eliminate it over the next ten years. In the coming year and beyond, we will work with the Scottish Government to improve regulation of the pet trade. We will continue to help prevent unsuspecting pet owners from falling victim to criminals. And we’ll continue to work with partners like Police Scotland and transport agencies to stop low welfare puppy dealers in their tracks.?

We receive no government funding. Taking the lead to stamp out this animal welfare horror and scourge on society is only possible with the support of public donations. Your hours of volunteering, incredible fundraising efforts and generous donations are needed now more than ever. We can’t do this without the support of our partners.?

By partnering with us your business, big or small, is helping end the cruel trade that Peggy Sue came from. By lending your voice to our cause, you can help us lead the way to end the suffering of innocent puppies.?

To find out more about how you and your business can help us end puppy farming, please get in touch with Karlyn Robertson or me.