Two suspected puppy farms in East Ayrshire have been raided by cops and officers from the Scottish SPCA.
A total of 80 animals including dogs, puppies, cats and kittens were seized from the addresses during a major operation on Friday, November 27.
The multi-agency action was taken after intelligence was received about the low-welfare puppy trade potentially operating in the area.
Enquiries into the suspected puppy farms remain ongoing as part of Operation Delphin - a specialist task force set up to catch despicable rogue animal traders.
A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA said: “Police Scotland Ayrshire Police Division assisted us with the execution of two search warrants relating to animal welfare offences at properties in East Ayrshire.
“80 animals were seized including dogs and puppies and cats and kittens. This raid was part of Operation Delphin, a multi-agency task force set up to tackle the low-welfare puppy trade.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
A force spokesperson added: “Police Scotland is absolutely committed to disrupting those involved in serious and organised crime in Scotland.
“The low-welfare trade of animals is just one example where criminals seek to profit from the misery of others. Thousands of puppies are born into the illegal puppy trade each year.
“Many are kept in horrendous conditions, and are often removed from their mothers too early – causing distress, harm and health problems, all in the name of a quick profit.
“We work closely with a variety of organisations to detect and disrupt illegal activity in Ayrshire.
“Anyone with information on crime should contact us by calling 101 or information can be provided anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”
