Latest news with #KingCharlesCavalierSpaniel
Glasgow Times
12 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Woman banned from keeping animals over puppy trade
Julie Taylor was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court after admitting to selling puppies without a licence and failing to meet their basic welfare needs, pleading guilty on May 6 2025. The Kilmarnock woman sold puppies without the required pet-selling licence and failed to properly care for 16 young dogs. The puppies were kept in poor conditions, separated from their mothers too early, and denied appropriate veterinary care and vaccinations. READ MORE: SSPCA forced entry into Glasgow home to find neglected dogs in cages The animals were housed in 'unsuitable and unhygienic environments' that placed their health at serious risk. In addition to the 10-year ban on owning animals, she was handed a 200-hour community payback order, a five-month restriction of liberty order, and ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work. The Scottish SPCA launched an investigation after a member of the public raised concerns about an online advert on the website Pets4Home in December 2023. The listing offered King Charles Cavalier Spaniel puppies for sale in Kilmarnock and claimed the animals were microchipped and vet-checked. READ MORE: SSPCA 'disappointed' with sentencing of woman after three dogs found starved A Scottish SPCA inspector said: 'The buyer met Taylor, who handed over the puppy described as the last available. The witness immediately noted that the animal emitted a strong odour, appeared lethargic and frightened, and had a visibly distended stomach. "When questioned, Taylor was unable to provide clear answers about the puppy's age or details about its mother. 'Within a day of purchase, the puppy's health deteriorated rapidly. "A veterinary examination revealed the puppy was significantly younger than claimed—approximately 8 weeks old rather than 10—and suffering from a respiratory infection. "The puppy had not been microchipped and showed signs of poor care consistent with having come from a puppy farm. 'The puppy was prescribed antibiotics and probiotics, but her condition worsened. "Further veterinary treatment identified potential lung and ear infections, as well as internal parasites. "Vets noted that the animal's suffering could have been avoided with proper health protocols and concluded the conditions were consistent with those found in illegal puppy farms. 'This case highlights the distressing consequences of the illegal puppy trade. "Puppies raised in unlicensed, unregulated environments often suffer serious illness or even death due to early separation from their mothers, lack of proper care, and exposure to parasites. 'We receive frequent complaints from buyers whose new puppies are seriously ill shortly after purchase. "Many sellers use online platforms while posing as private individuals to avoid scrutiny. "The financial and emotional burden placed on unsuspecting buyers is huge, and there can also be serious health risks to humans from infections such as roundworms. "We are satisfied with the sentencing outcome, as this individual played a significant role in the illegal and unethical puppy trade. "The sentence sends a clear message to others engaged in this type of activity. "The scale of suffering in cases like this is unacceptable and avoidable. Stronger deterrents are needed to combat the illegal puppy trade and protect both animals and the public.' The Scottish SPCA continues to urge potential pet owners to adopt from reputable sources and to thoroughly research sellers when considering purchasing a pet online.
Scotsman
01-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Dog of the Year is raising awareness of pet rehoming service
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Holyrood's Dog of the Year competition has helped to raise awareness of rehoming services in the area, local MSP Christine Grahame has said. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Ms Grahame took part in the recent event to highlight the good work of local pet rescue centres. Run by Dog's Trust and the Kennel Club, it is held every Spring at the Scottish Parliament, with MSPs able to either enter their own dogs or a 'borrowed' dog from a rescue centre to be crowned Holyrood Dog of the Year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The purpose is to raise the profile of dog welfare issues in Parliament and the wider public. Chrstine Grahame, with Summer and Kim McNeil. For the first time, at the invitation of the Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale MSP, a rescue dog from Borders Pet Rescue, Summer, took part in the annual celebration. Summer, a nine-year-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, was used for intensive breeding for years until she could no longer breed, after which she she was cast aside and came into the centre's care. She has now been found a permanent home locally. Ms Grahame said: 'Borders Pet Rescue does such a wonderful job and Summer was lucky indeed to find a home through them. She did not win a prize in this year's contest but, better than that, she has won a loving home.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The service has been dedicated to the rescue and re-homing of domestic pets since 1988, with the twin purposes of finding suitable loving homes for abandoned and unwanted pets and to promote responsible pet ownership through education and training. Each year the charity rehomes more than 200 animals and aims to improve its capacity and facilities to better meet the needs of the local community. Kim McNeil, centre manager, said: 'Sadly, Summer's story is not unique. We are seeing far too many dogs coming into our care after being used solely for breeding, only to be discarded when they can no longer produce puppies. 'For anyone thinking of welcoming a dog into their life, I would warmly encourage you to visit Borders Pet Rescue or your local rescue centre. There are so many wonderful dogs, like Summer, just waiting for a second chance at happiness.' Further information about Borders Pet Rescue can be found at
