Motherwell man banned from keeping animals after puppy farming investigation

A Motherwell man has been banned from keeping animals for three years and fined after admitting to selling on a sick puppy.

49 year-old Patrick McCarron pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog by failing to provide adequate vet care.

The border collie was having sezuires because of worms.

He was caught following a Scottish SPCA investigation into puppy farming.

Commenting on the investigation and court case, an undercover inspector said, “McCarron sold at least one pup that had to receive extensive veterinary treatment after reaching her new owner. The pup, a border collie, was suffering from seizures which even lead to respiratory arrest. The cause of the seizures was most likely a severe round worm burden which caused anaemia, malnourishment and contributed to her poor bodily condition.

“Thankfully as the pup received emergency veterinary treatment she made a recovery, but other puppies aren’t usually so lucky.

“Any person selling puppies has a duty of care to ensure the pups are fit at the point of sale and this should involve having them vet checked.”

The inspector added, “Our Special Investigations Unit spearhead a mutli-agency taskforce who work tirelessly to bring puppy traders to justice through Operation Delphin which includes support from Dumfries and Galloway Council, ISPCA, USPCA, DSPCA, RSPCA, HMRC Trading Standards, Stenaline, Police Scotland Port unit and APHA.

“This multimillion pound industry is fuelled entirely by greed and profit with little to no consideration for the welfare of the dogs they sell.