SSPCA reports record number of cruelty cases

The Scottish SPCA has reported a major increase in the number of animals seized as a result of cruelty investigations.

Meanwhile almost half of the record 302 animals taken into care by its inspectors last year following cases submitted to the Crown Office were victims of the illegal puppy trade.

The figures come in a report about the charity’s activities in 2017, which saw one person on average banned from keeping animals every week.

Chief Executive Kirsteen Campbell said: “The illegal puppy trade remains a major concern.”

Jut under half of the record 302 animals seized last year were rescued from dealers who treat dogs as nothing more than commodities.

Mrs Campbell added:“We prevented an additional 75 puppies involved in the illegal puppy trade entering Scotland via Cairnryan Port from Ireland.

“We work closely with our sister organisation the ISPCA, to ensure these pups receive the highest possible care and are happily rehomed in Ireland.”