‘Puppy farms’ raided with 80 animals taken into care

On Friday, officers raided two properties in East Ayrshire as part of an operation targeting the low-welfare puppy trade.

Jenness Mitchell

28th Nov 2020

Police and the Scottish SPCA have seized 80 animals as part of an operation targeting the low-welfare puppy trade.

On Friday morning, officers raided two properties in East Ayrshire following a multi-agency briefing at Kilmarnock police station.

Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens were seized in the search.

A spokesperson from the Scottish SPCA said: “This raid was part of Operation Delphin, a multi-agency taskforce set up to tackle the low-welfare puppy trade.

“Investigations are ongoing.”

A force spokesperson said Police Scotland is “absolutely committed” to disrupting those involved in serious and organised crime in Scotland.

They added: “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, 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.”

If you have any concerns about the welfare of animals in your area, call the Scottish SPCA’s confidential helpline on 03000 999 999.

For more information on the campaign against the illegal puppy trade, click here.