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Posted: 26th August 2026

Almost 50 puppies rescued from low welfare puppy trade
The mass intake has put significant pressure on the Scottish SPCA.
Scottish SPCA urges public to consider puppy origins.

Almost 50 puppies are said to have been seized in recent weeks, as investigations continue into the low welfare puppy trade in Scotland.

The puppies were seized as they were transported into the country, with the Scottish SPCA taking on responsibility for their care.

The charity says that the mass intake had placed a sudden and significant pressure on its resources. Each puppy’s treatment costs Scottish SPCA approximately £52 per day.

An ongoing demand for puppies is said to be a key driver in the puppy trade. The charity warns that the public may be responding to online adverts and purchasing puppies without knowing where they had come from.

The Scottish SPCA is now urging those considering buying puppies to do their research before making the purchase.

Potential buyers are advised not to buy puppies online, or from anywhere that they can’t verify where the dog has come from. They must arrange to visit the breeder and see the puppies with their mother in the breeder’s home.

That environment must be clean, warm, dry, safe and suitable. Ask for any relevant paperwork regarding vaccination and microchipping.

If potential buyers are pressured to make a decision, they should walk away.

A spokesperson for the Scottish SPCA said: “We know that buying a puppy is a huge decision and that people can understandably be excited about welcoming a new member of the family. But it is incredibly important that potential buyers do not let that excitement override the need to ask questions and carry out proper checks.

“Our advice is do not buy a puppy online without being able to verify where it has come from. Visit the breeder, see the puppy with its mother, check the environment and paperwork, and never feel pressured into making a decision.

“The public has an important role to play in stopping this trade. Every purchase has consequences and choosing not to buy a puppy where its origins or welfare cannot be properly established will help reduce the demand that fuels this market.”

Image © Vera Aksionava/Shutterstock.com



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