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Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Daily Record
Victims of illegal puppy trader open up on heartbreak of desperate attempt to save dogs
New owners fell in love with defenceless pups and were immediately faced with a desperate fight for life - and huge vet bills. Victims of illegal puppy trader Julie Taylor have told how they battled to save the lives of their tiny dogs. The dog owners have spoken out after the SSPCA's Special Investigations Unit busted Taylor, who was running an unlicensed 'puppy shop' from a filthy home in Ayrshire. The Daily Record told yesterday how Taylor was branded 'cruel and abhorrent' and banned from keeping animals for ten years as she was nailed in court. We told how one dog died, leading the new owner - an off duty police officer - to call in the animal charity's SIU to bring Taylor to justice. Another dog lover to have a nightmare ordeal due to the appalling conditions Taylor was subjecting pups to was Gillian Linton, 35, from Clydebank. The civil servant told how she instantly fell in love with a tiny Spaniel she called Primrose. She ended up paying more than £2,000 in vet bills after forming a powerful bond with the tiny pup, which almost died but eventually pulled through. Gillian, who bought Primrose at Taylor's home in Stewarton on Christmas Eve, 2023, said: 'We were meant to be getting a Blenheim Spaniel but the pup turned out to be a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 'When she was presented to us she was stinking and her tummy was distended. She was in a bad way. Julie said she had just been fed but alarm bells were ringing loudly. 'The wee dog dropped flat on the floor and started crawling along in a strange way. She was lost and distressed. 'I picked her up and she snuggled into my neck and I was probably committed to her from that point, with no way of going back because I just couldn't leave her there. 'I had to rescue her - and I can't help but wonder how many other dog lovers felt the same way with other pups. Gillian transferred £795 to Taylor on the spot. She said: 'I asked to use the bathroom upstairs and I could see the house wasn't normal, with big piles of stuff in rooms and flooring had been ripped up. I guessed it had just been transformed by the puppy farm trade that was going on. 'As soon as we got Primrose home she started to cough and she would stop breathing for a but then produce a hacking cough that was awful to watch. 'She was really ill and we thought she was going to die.' Gillian said she had to take Primrose to the vet on New Year's Day because she thought the pup would die otherwise. She said: 'She was full of worms and her ears were infected and foul smelling. She was a poor wee soul. ' Gillian added: 'Primrose is 18 months old and really good now - but that's a miracle after the start she had in life. 'To think that people have been mistreating defenceless pups so badly for quick cash makes me feel very sad and it's good that the SSPCA shut these people down.' Eleanor Sullivan, 66, also said she immediately felt a duty to rescue the Cavapoo pup - which she called Jax - due to its pitiful condition when shown it. Former school worker Eleanor, from Cumbernauld, said: 'Jax was a bit of a sorry state, with terrible ear mites and a cough but I had to rescue this defenceless animal. 'I had a dog cage at the bottom of my bed but when I locked the door the pup went mad, throwing himself at the cage door.' Eleanor said the dog looked 'lost' and behaved like it had never interacted with humans before. She said: 'It was shaking and looked terrified. It was obvious from the start that the pups weren't right and Jax looked a lot younger than the eight weeks Julie said she was. 'I also discovered that different adverts were appearing online, supposedly selling the same dogs but with different phone numbers. I think it was just a conveyor belt of pups. 'These people rely on people like me forming an instant attachment. They shouldn't be allowed to have anything to do with animals.' The Record told yesterday how PC Elaine McArthur's cockapoo pup Marley fought for life then died of deadly parvo virus, three days after leaving Taylor's home. Distraught mum Elaine turned the tables on Taylor by calling in SSPCA investigators, who raided the trader's home and shut the operation down. Taylor, 41, was caught red handed with 16 terrified dogs, of various breeds, being held in a filthy toilet and covered in dog waste. 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. Taylor admitted cruelty and operating without a licence, which saw her banned from keeping dogs for 10 years at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court. Taylor's defence lawyer Graeme Cunningham said he could not deny that she was the front of an 'abhorrent' puppy farm operation, where dogs were badly treated then sold on for large amounts of cash. Taylor was also given a Community Payback Order to include unpaid work of 240 hours. She will also face a Proceeds of Crime investigation and could have thousands of pounds clawed back.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
The beautiful Scottish town with 'growing food scene' perfect for summer day out
The Daily Record is back with the latest edition of our Town of the Week series. This time, we are journeying to a hidden gem that is known for its green space and history—and has earned praise for its "growing food scene". Alloa is situated in Clackmannanshire in the Central Lowlands of Scotland. Located under an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, the town is home to a population of around 20,000. Alloa was previously described by travel inspiration website Choosewhere as having a "growing food scene". The experts praised the town for having "several options for lunch, dinner, and snacks". One of the restaurants in Alloa Choosewhere singled out was Bar Aldo's, which it described as a "favourite for Italian food". The eatery specialises in homemade food inspired by the Picinisco region, with dishes including Ravioli Aragasta, Chef Gio Papa Pasta, and Tagliatelle Filetto. Elsewhere, another top place for a bite to eat around town is The Royal Oak Alloa. Described on its website as Alloa's "favourite pub and restaurant", The Royal Oak Alloa serves up a wide selection of both food and drink. In terms of cuisine, the eatery offers dishes such as homemade steak and ale pie, breaded haddock, and chilli con carne. Visitors can also enjoy desserts like caramel apple pie, sticky toffee pudding, and even a variety of sundaes. Meanwhile, for those after a smaller bite or a coffee, Dnisi is one of Alloa's top cafés. The venue, which uses locally sourced ingredients where possible, offers full breakfasts, ciabattas and wraps, and a selection of pastries and cakes. It isn't just food that Alloa has to offer, however. The stunning town also provides easy access to a number of picturesque beauty spots and historic attractions. When the sun is shining, one of the top destinations in the area is the Gartmorn Dam Country Park and Nature Reserve. Situated just out of Alloa, the 370-acre park is home to Scotland's oldest reservoir. Another must-visit is Alloa Tower, which dates back all the way to the 14th century. Described by the National Trust for Scotland as the biggest surviving keep in the country, the tower features opulent interiors to explore where royalty once wandered. Keep reading for photos showing some of Alloa's highlights. For further travel inspiration, a selection of the Daily Record's past Towns and Villages of the Week can be found here:
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Edinburgh Live
Police insist 'no evidence' Spain shooting that killed two gangsters was set up in Scotland
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Scottish Police have insisted that there is "no evidence" to suggest that the shooting that killed Ross Monaghan and Eddie Lyons in Spain's Costa Del Sol was set up in Scotland. It comes after Pedro Agudo Novo, the Malaga-based Spanish police chief, described the suspected killer as a member of the Daniel gang- which has long been at odds with the Lyons gang the dead men belonged to, reports The Daily Record. Merseyside Police confirmed on Friday, June 13, that Michael Terrence Riley, 44, has been arrested in the UK on suspicion of the Costa del Sol gangland execution of the key Lyons lieutenants. Police Scotland had insisted days after the May 31 double murder that they had no information to suggest the horror crimes were in any way linked to the ongoing gangland feud that has been going on in Edinburgh and the west of the country. However, Agudo Novo then made the revelation linking the suspect to the Daniel clan on Tuesday, June 17, as he spoke at the first press conference Spanish police have held since Monaghan and Lyons Jr were shot dead at Monaghans Irish Bar in Fuengirola after the Champions League final. Mr Agudo Novo, who heads up a provincial Judicial Police unit, said that the hit had been set up by 'a professional killer and member of one of the victims' rival gangs.' He ruled out the idea that the shooter was an independent hired killer but an internal member of the rival Daniel gang. The shooting came amid a violent gang war that has ripped through Edinburgh and the west since March said to have started over a fallout over a stolen stash of cocaine. However, following the statement from Agudo Novo, Police Scotland has reiterated their claim that there is no evidence to suggest the deaths were linked to the recent attacks in Scotland. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston said: "We have been assisting Spanish colleagues with their investigation into the fatal shootings in Fuengirola. We are not aware of any current evidence which suggests the deaths of these two men in Spain are linked to the recent criminal attacks in Scotland being investigated as part of Operation Portaledge. "We are aware of the statement from the Spanish Police and although we cannot comment on an ongoing investigation in another jurisdiction, our position remains that we have no current evidence to suggest that this incident was orchestrated from Scotland. "We are aware of the arrest of an individual in the Merseyside area and will continue to support colleagues in Spain where necessary and if required by them." Career criminal Monaghan, who fled Scotland for Spain after a failed attempt on his life outside a Glasgow primary school in 2017, was tried but acquitted over the murder of notorious Glasgow hood Kevin 'Gerbil' Carroll at an Asda car park in 2010. In August 2017 he and Eddie Lyons Jr, both members of the Lyons Glasgow crime family, were cleared of being involved in a brutal street attack on three men outside the Campsie bar in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. In a statement released on June 3, Police Scotland made it clear it was not directly investigating the murders. "The investigation into the fatal shootings in Fuengirola is being carried out by Spanish police," it said. "Police Scotland is supporting Spanish police where requested, however at this time we have no officers deployed within Spain."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Man airlifted to hospital after 'stabbing' on Scots street
A man has been stabbed on Braeside Road in Ayr. A man has been airlifted to hospital after reportedly being stabbed on a quiet Scots residential street as police launch a probe. Emergency crews raced to Braeside Road in Ayr at around 10am today (Tuesday June 17) after receiving a report of an injured man. The Daily Record understands that the injury was caused in an early-morning stabbing. An ambulance and an air ambulance with a trauma team were dispatched to the scene. The injured male was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Police Scotland are investigating the incident and note that enquiries are ongoing. Chief Inspector Stuart Dougan said: 'Around 10am on Tuesday, 17 June, 2025, we were called to a report of a man found injured in the Braeside Road area of Ayr. "He has been taken to hospital for treatment. Emergency services are in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.' A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We received a call at 10:02 to attend an incident on Braeside Road, Ayr. "An ambulance and an air ambulance with a trauma team were dispatched to the scene and one patient was transported to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.' We previously reported, in a separate incident, that the dad of a teenage boy who died at Irvine Beach paid tribute to his "best friend". Kayden Moy, from East Kilbride, was found wounded at the Ayrshire beauty spot on the night of Saturday May 17. The 16-year-old was rushed to Crosshouse Hospital but passed away the following morning. His devastated dad Paul Moy led heartbreaking tributes to the youngster. He said: "My first born son, my big boy, my best friend, my main man, my everything., rest easy my boy." His great-gran Helen Drummond added: "I can't believe our darling great grandson was taken from us. Rest in peace our darling Kayden. Forever in our hearts." Family friend Karen Nelson said: " Heartbroken for the Moy family. RIP Kayden Moy, shine bright pal." Another friend added: "Rest in paradise Kayden Moy. So sad." Busby AFC, a youth football team which Kayden had played for, launched a fundraiser in his memory and shared a touching tribute to Kayden. They wrote: "The Club was devastated to find out that Kayden Moy, a former youth player for Busby AFC, had sadly lost his life recently after being the victim of a knife attack. Kayden played in our youth set-up for several years and it has hit everyone hard. "Kayden's grandfather is a long-term volunteer, player, coach and friend of the Club. He currently spends his weeknights and weekends coaching Kayden's younger brother who currently plays in our junior section too. "We are aware that nothing will ever replace the life of an individual but we hope that this fundraising will help Kayden's family at this extremely difficult time." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Lemur at West Lothian zoo breaks world record and becomes 'world's oldest'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A record breaking lemur at a West Lothian zoo has made history and become the oldest in the world in captivity. Stumpy, the ring-tailed lemur celebrated his 39th birthday on Sunday, June 15, surrounded by keepers and visitors at Five Sisters Zoo. Also present were the Stumpy's two sons, Red (aged 21) and Julian (aged 20), who still share an enclosure with their dad, reports The Daily Record. According to the zoo, Stumpy - who is one of their most beloved residents - has now achieved worldwide recognition and his status as the oldest living ring-tailed lemur in captivity has now been confirmed by the Guinness World Records. In human care, ring-tailed lemurs usually live to be between 20 to 25, while it's rare for the species to reach the age of 20 in the wild. But despite age-related arthritis and reduced eyesight, Stumpy remains in a surprisingly healthy condition thanks to decades of dedicated care from the Five Sisters Zoo team. Born in 1986 in Surrey, Stumpy moved to Scotland back in 2005 and has been a well loved member of the zoo's family ever since. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox According to the zoo, Stumpy is known as "a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike". Over the years, he has become among the zoo's most iconic and enduring characters. Having been at Five Sisters for nearly two decades, Stumpy's health and wellbeing have been sustained through a tailored and evolving programme of specialist care. According to the team, his longevity is thanks to the close attention and commitment of the zoo's keepers, veterinary staff, and animal welfare experts. Senior Management at Five Sisters Zoo Gary Curran commented: "Stumpy has been with us since day one, and we've grown together. "He's taught us so much—from refining his care routine to adapting our enrichment strategies—and we're incredibly proud to see that recognised by Guinness World Records. He's an absolute character, and a real ambassador for what long-term, focused animal care can achieve." Five Sisters states that Stumpy has contributed significantly to lemur conservation and education, and over his lifetime he has fathered 11 offspring. His children have gone on to produce 25 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-granddaughter, with many of his descendants now living at zoos across Europe. As well as offering up-close Lemur Experiences for the public, Five Sisters Zoo partners with SEED Madagascar, a conservation charity working to protect lemur populations and habitats in the wild. The zoo uses Stumpy's story to highlight the importance of long-term care, conservation, and species survival. Guinness World Records Senior Managing Editor Adam Millward, who worked with the zoo on the verification process, was delighted by the final result. He said: "Reaching such a grand age—we're talking living well over a decade beyond what is typical for your kind—is impressive for any species. "With this record, there's now no question that Stumpy has truly earned his stripes! I hope he enjoyed his special day—and paws crossed we hear from Five Sisters Zoo again for the big 4-0 next year." According to Five Sisters Zoo, Stumpy's record-breaking age serves as a milestone not only for the zoo itself but the wider conservation community and demonstrates the power of ongoing education, expert care, and advocacy. More information on Stumpy's story can be found on the Five Sisters Zoo website.
