Four puppies die after SSPCA raid Glasgow Airbnb property
The rescue operation took place on 28 January.
Four puppies have died after the Scottish SPCA’s special investigations unit seized eight puppies from an Airbnb property in Glasgow.
The rescue operation took place in the Glasgow property on 28 January. The owner of the flat had unknowingly rented their premises to low-welfare puppy dealers.
Four of the seized puppies passed away due to a number of health issues including parvovirus.
The Scottish SPCA special investigations unit has been aware of dealers using rental accommodation for nefarious reasons but this is the first time they have raided an address. Police Scotland also assisted with the raid.
A special investigations unit inspector, who cannot be named due to undercover work, said: "We became aware of a number of properties booked on Airbnb being used by unscrupulous dealers to sell pups at high cost.
"Sadly, the puppies became seriously ill or passed away.
"With the help of Police Scotland we entered the address where we discovered eight puppies of varying breeds. We visually assessed the pups and it was clear they were in very poor health.
"They were immediately taken for veterinary attention where it was found they had a range of health issues such as parvovirus, parasitic and bacterial infections and heavy worm burdens. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts to save the lives of the pups, four of the puppies sadly passed away.
"We are urging both the public and short-term rental property owners to be vigilant and report any concerns to our confidential animal helpline. One host on Airbnb discovered faeces and dog waste inside a cupboard after having rented their home out. They were suspicious and rightly contacted us.
"There is a large number of known, connected puppy dealers selling dogs in this way.
"Puppies and their parents are suffering and dying due to this industry. As long as this is happening, we will do what we can to bring down this appalling trade. Public demand remains sky high and as long as this continues, bad dealers will find any means to operate.
"We are very pleased to have the support of Airbnb who are just as dedicated to tackling this issue as we are."
Airbnb is an online rental marketplace that revolutionised the short-term holiday letting industry for both renters and property owners. Its headquarters is in San Francisco, California.
Patrick Robinson, Director of Public Policy at Airbnb, said, "We were incredibly saddened to learn about this incident and the fate of the puppies and thank the Scottish SPCA for their vital investigative work.
"We want to ensure justice is served and welcome the opportunity to support the Scottish SPCA on their investigation. The vast majority of Hosts and guests are good neighbours who follow the rules, and we take swift and robust action against anyone who doesn't live up to the standards that communities expect."
Anyone with potential concerns about a property they believe to be listed on Airbnb can report this through the company’s Neighbour Support Line.
Any concerns over the low-welfare puppy trade should be reported to the Scottish SPCA confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.