THE SSPCA are investigating two alleged “puppy farmers” who were captured transporting caged dogs around Scotland.
The two men were filmed giving water to 10 puppies, eight of them in cages, in a layby near a busy road in Dumfries and Galloway on Sunday.
The men, who had seven border collie puppies and three golden labrador puppies in the back of a van, were thought to be transporting the pooches as part of a “puppy farming” network.
The person who filmed the clip, and wishes to remain anonymous, can be heard approaching the men and shouting “you’re absolutely out of f*****g order you two c***s”.
The men refuse to respond and remain silent, instead walking away before the clip cuts out.
Social media users were appalled by the footage and pictures, which has now been shared over 54,000 times since it was uploaded on Sunday.
The run-in was reported to police, who confirmed they were aware of the post.
The SSPCA confirmed today they are looking into the clip as part of an ongoing investigation into puppy farming in Scotland.
The footage emerged just days before the government announced that it willl ban the sale of puppies by pet shops, online dealers and other third party sellers – in a bid to eliminate puppy farming.
A social media user, who did not film the footage but also did not want to be identified, posted the photos and video of the men to social media.
They wrote: “This needs to go across the country. Someone must know who they are.
“Police, RSPCA and SSPCA aware and were made aware IMMEDIATELY and before this video was posted so please no comments that the person videoing didn’t act – they did.
“These people were filmed today Sunday August 19 at 3/4pm by someone in Dumfries and Galloway in South West Scotland.
“This vehicle is part of a known puppy farming network, and today they headed south with these poor puppies. They are known to travel this area and beyond to both Scotland and England trying to sell these pups.
“The only positive is that these nine look reasonably healthy.”
The poster continued: “Please don’t buy from puppy farmers as this criminal trade is what’s behind it. They’re making money from these poor souls. Not buying from them is the only way to stop this trade long-term.
“And if you’ve bought one of these puppies from them please get them checked out for their own sake health wise.”
The footage begins with the two men giving water to some black and white border collie pups in a side road.
The puppies whine and thirstily drink the water as the person behind the camera films them.
One of the men then takes a cloth and gives the tiny puppies a wipe down, while six other puppies in cages can be seen in the back of the open van.
Traffic can be heard speeding past as the men tend to the puppies, who can be heard whining loudly.
Three brown and white border collies and three golden labrador puppies can be seen whining in the background as the man cleans the two young collie pups.
The person filming moves in to the van and gets a quick shot before walking off.
He can be overheard saying “you’re absolutely out of f******* order you two c***s” as the footage ends.
On social media, Margaret Paterson wrote: “Let’s get these scumbags. Poor wee pups.”
Jane Marsh added: “Total scum. I hope they can be stopped.”
While Susan Graham said simply: “Disgusting scroates.”
A source close to the investigation said that the men were believed to be part of a network.
A Scottish SPCA undercover inspector said, “As part of Operation Delphin the Scottish SPCA Special Investigations Unit spearhead a multi-agency task force who work tirelessly to bring puppy traders to justice.
“We are duty bound to follow up on all calls made to our animal helpline and would urge anyone with information to get in touch on 03000 999 999.”
In May this year animal inspectors seized 27 puppies smuggled from Ireland at a Scottish port.
The SSPCA recovered the pups in Cairnryan, Dumfries and Galloway, as part of Operation Delphin.
The pups, which had been shipped via Northern Ireland, were reportedly set to be sold for at least £600 each.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said the incident had not been reported to them officially, but that they were going to look into the issue after it was shared onto their social media page.
In a victory for Lucy’s Law and animal campaigners, the government today (WED) announced that they will ban the sale of puppies and kittens through third parties.
Anyone buying or adopting a pet less than six months old will have to deal directly with a registered breeder or a rescue centre under the proposed ban.
According to the Scottish SPCA, puppy-farmed pups are more likely to have a genetic disorder and are more at risk of catching deadly infectious diseases.
And figures from the Scottish Government estimated the illegal puppy trade was worth a “conservative” £13m last year in Scotland – not including the thousands of pounds in vet bills paid by unsuspecting new owners.
