Puppies found living in squalor as dog dealer from notorious Scots network banned from keeping pets

An evil puppy dealer who lived in a Scots town and sold sick dogs during the pandemic that all died after "significant" suffering has been banned from having the animals for three years.

Charles Anthony McDonagh, who is part of a prolific Scottish dealer network, is not allowed to own or keep any dogs and was handed a £300 fine plus a £150 victim surcharge.

The 32-year-old from Belfast pled guilty to causing suffering to two dogs of various breed types by failing to provide veterinary treatment at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 21 August.

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One of the SSPCA specialist investigations inspectors said: "In September 2021, we identified that McDonagh, a known puppy dealer, was residing at a house in Inverurie, and was using the property to hold and sell pups.

“We searched the premises and found a Cocker spaniel-type puppy lying on a blanket on the floor. The pup did not react as we entered – it had sadly died.

“Another Cocker spaniel type dog was lying on the floor behind a television. The dog appeared fearful, stressed and wary of individuals and was showing visible signs that she may recently have given birth.

“There were large quantities of dog faeces covering the floor."

They continued: “The courtyard area was also dirty and covered with faeces and urine. An adult spaniel-type dog and two Labrador-type puppies were also wandering in the unsanitary conditions.

“The dogs, which included another 8-week-old Cocker spaniel type puppy, were transported for veterinary examination. It was clear that all these dogs had been through horrific and unnecessary suffering.

“We are very disappointed with the sentencing. McDonagh is part of a serious group of puppy dealers who have no care about these dogs.

“We work in partnership with a number of organisations through a multi-agency taskforce and our special investigations unit undertakes intelligence-led missions to target those involved with illegal puppy farming.

“Trafficked pups often look fine when they are purchased, but problems will begin to show at a later stage.

"Our message to the general public is do not buy online or from someone where it is impossible to verify where the dog is actually coming from. The only way this will disappear, and people stop profiteering at the expense of these dogs, is if the public demand it stops"

Anyone considering buying a puppy should research the potential breeder carefully, as unauthorised breeding can have a significant impact on the welfare of dogs.

If you have purchased a puppy that shows any signs of illness or distress take them to a vet immediately.

If you have any information about puppy farming or concerns about a dog you’ve purchased, call the SSPCA animal helpline in confidence at 03000 999 999.

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