Police in East Ayrshire have supported the SSPCA in seizing 80 animals as part of an operation targeting the low-welfare puppy trade.
Around 0900 hours yesterday, Friday 27th November 2020, a multi agency briefing was held at Kilmarnock Police Office in preparation for the enforcement activity.
Search warrants were thereafter executed at 2 properties in East Ayrshire where 80 animals were seized, including dogs, puppies, cats and kittens.
An update by the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) confirmed:
“Today Police Scotland assisted us with the execution of two search warrants relating to animal welfare offences at properties in East Ayrshire.
“This raid was part of Operation Delphin, a multi-agency taskforce set up to tackle the low-welfare puppy trade. Investigations are ongoing.”
A spokesperson for Ayrshire Police Division said “Police Scotland is absolutely committed to disrupting those involved in serious and organised crime in Scotland.
“The low-welfare trade of animals is just one example where criminals seek to profit from the misery of others. Thousands of puppies are born into the illegal puppy trade each year. Many are kept in horrendous conditions, are often removed from their mothers too early – causing distress, harm and health problems, all in the name of a quick profit.
“We work closely with a variety of organisations to detect and disrupt illegal activity in Ayrshire. Anyone with information on crime should contact us by calling 101 or information can be provided anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Further info on the SSPCAs work in this area visit: https://www.saynotopuppydealers.co.uk