An illegal puppy trader has been given a 250 hour unpaid community payback order, following an investigation by the Scottish SPCA.
Dundee based, Jamie Colquhoun sold puppies online without a licence and within a public car park
Colquhoun was found guilty at Forfar Sheriff Court on 23 November.
Commenting on the investigation and court case, an undercover inspector said, “Colquhoun did not have a licence to sell dogs but continued to do so over a period of time.
“A number of these dogs, including a malshee and morkie pup, became ill shortly after going home with their new owner. The canines Colquhoun sold were found to have had parvovirus, ear infections, kennel cough, worms and diarrhoea.
“Colquhoun had bred a few of these pups and trafficked the majority of them from the Republic of Ireland.
“When trafficked pups reach their new owner via 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.”
The undercover inspector added, “Unfortunately, the puppy trade is big business in Scotland with thousands of dogs being brought into the country each year from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in particular from large scale puppy farms.”
Colquhoun travelled rail and ferry from Holyhead to Dublin, often during the night. Adverts were then posted on sites like Gumtree in an attempt to sell them on at a huge profit.
“Colquhoun ultimately put profit before welfare and this case highlights how the illegal puppy trade is a low risk, high reward industry,” the inspector continued.
“Whilst we’re disappointed that she did not receive a ban we do welcome the fact that she has been dealt with by the court.
“We currently feel sentencing for animal abuse is very inconsistent in Scotland and we would like to see an increase in the maximum jail sentence which would provide the sheriff with a greater range of options.”
The undercover inspector finished by saying, “Anyone with information about the illegal puppy trade should contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 where all information is treated in the strictest confidence.”
