The owner of a pet bought from an alleged "puppy farm" in Fife has died of health complications.
Rosie, a nine-week-old cockapoo puppy, is said to have been bought from breeders that are now under investigation by the SSPCA.
The animal welfare charity confirmed they had launched a probe after a Glenrothes couple were accused of selling sick puppies at a price of £2500.
Rosie's owner had launched a GoFundMe to raise £5,000 for the puppy's vet bills after she tested positive for canine parvovirus and was also found to have a weak heart.
However, the puppy is said to have passed away over the weekend after "losing her battle".
In a post, which has already been shared hundreds of times on Facebook, Rosie's owner said: "It’s with a very heavy heart to let everyone know that little Rosie lost her battle this afternoon.
"She fought so hard and the vets done everything they could to give her a chance at life.
"For the "breeder" I hope you read this with guilt and live with guilt for the rest of your life, knowing you're ill mannered behaviour towards dogs and puppies has resulted in the loss of a poor innocent little puppy, you should be ashamed with yourself.
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"Not only have we lost Rosie but hundreds of others who have fallen victim to your puppy chain have had to fight for the survival of their puppy.
"No remorse shown or any care in the world. You're a joke and I hope this haunts you for the rest of your life."
The SSPCA could not comment further on the investigation but did warn owners that puppy farms were on the rise.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The combination of coronavirus restrictions and extortionate prices of puppies is being manipulated by puppy traders selling badly bred dogs.
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“There are things we would urge any buyer to do, such as insist on seeing the pup they are buying at the seller’s home or premises with their mum.
"At the moment, we know many dealers are telling unsuspecting members of the public to meet them in a car park or public space to pass over the dog safely.
"The seller will often be wearing a mask and afterwards they are impossible to get a hold of when the pup gets sick."
