Scots families have been scammed out of £15million by Irish puppy farm gangs in the last year, investigators have claimed.
Criminals have flooded Scotland with pups during lockdown, many too ill to survive and leaving families heartbroken or facing huge vet bills.
The Ulster Society for the Prevention Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) has issued a red alert – admitting the flood of pups from Ireland into Scotland is now too great to stop.
USPCA chief executive Brendan Mullan said: “We are at an all-time high as nearly two years of the Covid-19 pandemic has caused the industry to skyrocket.
“Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland hold special significance in this instance as it is an easy route to market to target unsuspecting members of the public in Scotland.
“Pups are smuggled across the border in Northern Ireland and are microchipped to be presented as NI pups. These pups are then trafficked by both legal and illegal transporters from NI to ports throughout the UK, including Cairnryan.”
The USPCA estimates a minimum of 37,000 illegally-bred puppies are transported from the Republic into Northern Ireland into Scotland every year. According to a report from the organisation, the trade rakes in £15million from unsuspecting Scots.
It is aware of thousands of animals being bought into Scots homes, who often have to endure the despair of dealing with a sick and dying pet.
Dogs sold on Gumtree and other online marketplaces are often cheaper than reputable dealers but can still net more than £2000 per pup.
The USPCA is aware of 20 gangs taking dogs to the UK, with some selling 120 dogs a week.
The Daily Record has documented how many of the pups, already extremely ill when prematurely snatched away from their mothers, have died within days of being sold.
It is thought hundreds of pups have ended up at Scottish vets after being found to be unwell this year.
Scores have died, with many falling victim to the highly contagious parvo virus that spreads like wildfire through dingy puppy farms.
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.
Mullan said the flow of pups has been relentless. He said: “We are deeply concerned by the puppy trade. Historically, this concern is at its peak during this time of year as we see greater demand for young pups over the Festive period.
“Our recently launched report, Puppy Dog Fortunes, paints a bleak picture of the scale and nature of this industry, which is spiralling out of control. The
individuals selling sick, parvo-ridden pups to the public are driven by greed and have no regard for animal welfare.
“At this time of year, there will be increased inspections at Northern Ireland ports but there can be no guarantee all illegal pups will be found.”
Mullan urged members of the public to pass on details of rogue traders.
He said: “We would urge the public to be vigilant to avoid being a victim of these rogue breeders – don’t meet the seller in some ‘convenient’ spot. Are you seeing the pup interact with its mother?
“The rogue breeder is waiting to exploit your desire for a new furry friend – and in most cases the pup will be sick and may not survive.”
It is estimated 90 per cent of all puppy trade is trafficked via Belfast.
It is also thought a third of all pups coming into Scotland die and only 10 per cent are disease free. One source said: “Intelligence suggests that at least £150million is being made on sales of pups bred in Irish farms. There’s probably at least 10 per cent of that coming from decent Scottish families.”
Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said she was well aware of the escalating problem.
She said: “We are determined to do all we can to combat the widespread illegal puppy trade and recognise the need for consistent standards across these islands to aid enforcement.
“That is why we are working collaboratively with other GB administrations to gather views and bring in new rules to safeguard animals.
“The new rules propose raising the minimum import age for puppies to six months, which will make it much more difficult for unscrupulous dealers.
“There are key checks that can help ensure you are buying safely.
“These include meeting the puppy’s mother with her litter and ensuring the correct paperwork is in place. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away and report your concerns to the Scottish SPCA.”
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