A dad has spoken of his heartbreak after a collie pup "died in his arms" just six hours after he bought him.
Richard Gray, from Glenrothes, believes the tragic dog, named Bear, was the victim of cruel puppy farmers.
He told the Daily Record he spent ages saving up for a Border Collie, and contacted a seller on Friday after seeing the dog advertised on Gumtree.
He says he paid £1000 for Bear but quickly realised something was wrong after the pup was dropped off at his home on Monday.
Richard said: "I’d been looking for a dog for ages for my little girl’s 10th birthday later this month.
“I’ve got severe epilepsy and can’t work so it took me a while to save up enough money.
“When I saw collies advertised in a video looking full of life, I contacted the seller who said she was based in Glasgow.
“I told her I’d manage to get to her with the money on Monday but she said she’d bring the pup to me.
“She said she wanted cash.”
Richard described the woman was being aged between 25 and 30 with an Irish accent. She says she "wiped the cash from my hands and practically threw the dog" at him.
He says it wasn't long before he knew something was wrong with the dog unable to stand. He says Bear "just flopped to the floor" and was unable to focus on anything.
Speaking to the Record, he added: "It was utterly horrific.
“I tried feeding him through a wee tube but he locked his jaws.
“I phoned the vets but nobody could come out.
“I knew Bear was going to die so I made him as comfortable as I could and at 12.29am - just over six hours after I got him - he took his last breath and died in my arms.”
The Scottish SPCA special investigations unit confirm they have received a report about the incident.
