Latest news with #ScottishSPCA
STV News
12 hours ago
- STV News
Woman handed ten-year ban after running illegal puppy farm
A woman has been handed a ten-year ban from owning animals after running an illegal puppy farm in East Ayrshire. Julie Taylor was sentenced at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to illegally selling puppies and failing to provide for their basic welfare needs. The puppies were described as being kept in poor conditions, separated prematurely from their mothers, and not provided with appropriate veterinary care or vaccinations. Many were housed in unsuitable, unhygienic environments that posed a serious risk to their health. Scottish SPCA opened an investigation after a concerned member of the public responded to an online advert on the site Pets4Home in December 2023. The person had met Taylor to purchase a puppy but noticed that the animal emitted a strong odour, appeared lethargic and frightened, and had a visibly distended stomach. SSPCA Julie Taylor illegally sold puppies and failed to provide for their basic welfare needs. Taylor could also not provide clear answers about the puppy's age or details about its mother during the transaction. The witness told a Scottish SPCA inspector that within a day of the purchase, the puppy's health deteriorated rapidly. A veterinary examination revealed the puppy was approximately eight weeks old, rather than ten, and was 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 officer said. 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,' the report added. The animal charity said the 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,' SSPCA said. Taylor was found to have sold puppies without the necessary licence and failed to take steps to ensure the welfare of 16 puppies. She was given a ten-year ban on keeping animals, a 200-hour community payback order, a five-month restriction of liberty order and was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work. A spokesperson for the SSPCA said the charity was satisfied with the outcome due to Taylor's 'significant role' in the illegal and unethical puppy trade. '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,' they said. '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.' The spokesperson continued: '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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Glasgow Times
20 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.
STV News
a day ago
- STV News
Worker 'sprayed dog's blood everywhere' at 'dirty' K9 fertility clinic
An Aberdeen woman who 'sprayed dog's blood everywhere' at a K9 fertility clinic described as 'dirty' has been sentenced. Coral Abel pleaded guilty to multiple attempts to take intravenous blood samples while being unqualified and unsupervised from a golden retriever dog named Zara. Gary Bain, the owner of the facility, also pleaded guilty and has been disqualified from providing service for animals for five years. The pair made multiple attempts to carry out internal artificial insemination, causing 'distress, pain and suffering' to Zara. Scottish SPCA A man who ran a K9 fertility clinic has been disqualified from providing service for animals for five years. An investigation by the Scottish SPCA found a witness attended the clinic to check on Zara, and found Abel taking the intravenous blood sample without wearing gloves. The floor of the clinic was described as 'dirty, covered in dog hair and very unhygienic'. Abel took multiple attempts to find the vein in the dog's foreleg, and as a result, blood sprayed everywhere with pools of blood also on the floor. The witness, who was described as feeling 'distressed and panicked' at seeing and hearing her dog in pain, made an official complaint regarding the entire incident to Bain. He was sentenced on March 21 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and Abel was sentenced on February 21 at the same court. Bain received a £900 fine and a disqualification order that prohibits him from providing animal services for five years. Abel received a community payback order of 100 hours unpaid work to be completed in 12 months. A not guilty plea was accepted for Aberdeen K9 Ltd run by Bain. A Scottish SPCA special investigations inspector said: 'We are currently seeing a significantly rising trend of serious and organised crime groups opening dog fertility clinics nationally. 'This is a way to launder illegal proceeds through a legitimate business. 'There are no formal qualifications needed to open a dog fertility clinic, which offers services such as ultrasound and non-invasive fertility treatments. 'However, intrusive surgeries including taking blood samples intravenously can only be taken by qualified individuals such as veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses under supervision.' The Scottish SPCA said it was 'clear' to the witness that Abel was not proficient or confident at obtaining the intravenous blood sample. Zara's fertility levels registered as being too high and, therefore, the procedure should not have been carried out. A spokesperson added: 'When we attended, we observed that the rear of the premises was divided into two rooms, a fertility treatment room and directly next door was the dog grooming area. 'The conditions to the rear of the premises were generally dirty, with dog hair all over the floor. 'The conditions inside of the fertility treatment room were not sterile or even clean. 'The surfaces of the work tops were dirty and unhygienic, the floor was covered in dog hair, grime and dirt and were a real cause for concern. 'The unclean, unhygienic environment poses the potential for spread of disease and a real risk of introducing bacterial infection into bitches who are there for the purposes of artificial insemination (AI). 'We are disappointed with the sentencing as there were animal welfare concerns raised here. 'The collection of blood from a non-qualified person as well as being illegal was detrimental to the welfare of Zara. 'As this individual was not properly trained or qualified, she did not ensure the welfare of Zara during these procedures. 'This event caused Zara distress, pain and in our opinion unnecessary suffering. By performing this in a dirty room and not using gloves to handle the equipment this put Zara at risk of an infection.' Anyone who is aware of any similar instances or other serious, organised or protracted animal-related crimes is asked to contact The Scottish SPCA via the form. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Daily Record
Cruel Scot left starved dogs scavenging for food in cage covered with faeces
A cruel Scots man who left his dogs starving in a cage covered with faeces has been given a five year ban. Andrew Whyte from Fraserburgh pled guilty to failing to meet the needs of his dogs - Phoenix (4.5-year-old female), Bella (2-year-old female), and Vadar (1.5-year-old male). The desperate pups were first found underweight and scavenging for food in a dirty home environment. Despite Whyte being handed welfare advice and support by the Scottish SPCA, their condition worsened over the following weeks. When inspectors returned, all three dogs were found confined together in a tiny cage in a cluttered garage, with no food, water, or bedding. The cage was soiled with faeces and urine. Whyte admitted failing to provide basic care, including adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary treatment. He was sentenced to a five-year disqualification from dog ownership and ordered to complete 120 hours of community service within nine months. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A Scottish SPCA Inspector reported: 'Following a complaint, we attended Mr Whyte's property and found three underweight Labradors—Phoenix, Bella, and Vadar—scavenging for food in an unclean environment. "Despite initial support, their condition deteriorated. On a later visit, we found the dogs crammed into a small, filthy cage in a cluttered garage with no bedding, food, or water." They continued: 'Whyte would not engage with us at that later visit. There was no excuse for the dogs suffering as our assistance was available. 'Veterinary assessments confirmed all three were severely emaciated and had suffered unnecessarily over a prolonged period due to neglect. "This case is a stark reminder that failing to meet even the most basic needs of an animal causes real suffering—and will not be tolerated.'
STV News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Peregrine falcon chick dies from bird flu weeks after hatching
A peregrine falcon chick that hatched in Glasgow has died after contracting bird flu two months after hatching. Glasgow Peregrine Project confirmed that the chick, named Jack, died on Wednesday. The young falcon, named after the character from TV comedy Still Game, hatched on top of the University of Glasgow tower in April alongside his brother Victor. The project had been monitoring the bird since Tuesday, when staff noticed he had become subdued and wasn't eating. Glasgow Peregrine Project After noticing his condition deteriorating, a rescue project saw the chick lifted from his nest to receive medical treatment. Glasgow Peregrine Project After noticing his condition deteriorating, a rescue project saw the chick lifted from his nest to receive medical treatment. Scottish SPCA determined it was likely that Jack had contracted bird flu and said he needed to be put down to 'ease his suffering'. Followers of the project commented, saying they had seen Jack 'struggling and suffering'. Parents Bonnie and Clyde have nested on the university's rooftop since 2022. Glasgow Peregrine Project said they are continuing to monitor the family, adding that Victor, Bonnie and Clyde seem unaffected. It urged anyone who sighted the birds or had any significant observations to get in touch. Glasgow Peregrine Project Jack and Victor hatched on April, 27. Glasgow Peregrine Project A spokesperson for the project said: 'It is with sadness that we must report that after pulling out all the stops and effecting a rescue, Jack has passed away. 'The UoG and the entire project team have monitored him throughout the night and worked throughout the day to put the rescue plan in place. Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack's care. 'The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted Bird Flu and, sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering. 'Given this circumstance, we will continue round the clock monitoring of the entire family. Your sightings and any significant observations would be greatly appreciated.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
