Recently in The Orkney News we highlighted the issue of puppy farms when we published Milo’s Story: Puppy Survivor

Unfortunately statistics reveal that the number of puppy sales done online in Scotland has increased up 25% from last year. Many of these puppies suffer as Milo did and get sick. One quarter of them will die within the first five years.

A campaign has been launched to inform people of the hateful illegal puppy farm industry and of buying puppies online from these dealers. #LookBeyondCute

You can find out more information by clicking on this link: Buy a Puppy Safely

Launching the campaign for the Scottish Government, Mairi Gougeon, Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Environment said:

“Puppy farms breed misery, and that misery is being fuelled by the huge demand for puppies and facilitated through online adverts and sellers.

“Last year’s campaign contributed to a 37% increase in the number of advice calls about suspected puppy farms to the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline.

“As people increasingly look online to buy a puppy, it is more important than ever that they know how to spot the signs of illegal dealers.

“There are key checks that can help ensure you are buying safely. These include meeting the puppy’s mother with her litter and ensuring all the correct paperwork is in place. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away and report your concerns to the Scottish SPCA.”