Thirteen dogs in 'heartbreaking condition' discovered at suspected puppy farm in Ayrshire

Thirteen dogs in 'heartbreaking condition' were dumped at a rescue centre after a suspected puppy farm was uncovered in Ayrshire.

The neglected animals were left at Islay Dog Rescue, based outside Cumnock, on Wednesday. It comes days after a member of the public discovered the dogs at a property in Patna.

Horror footage showing the animals locked in filthy outdoor cages was later shared online.

Video clips taken from the yard, in the Waterside area of the village on May 5, show designer pooches including

Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, a French bulldog and other breeds kept in shameful conditions and covered in faeces.

Lorraine Jardine, owner of Islay Dog Rescue, told the Record she was rocked by the sight of the neglected animals left on her doorstep.

She said: "The dogs were in a heartbreaking condition. The smell was just horrendous.

"I've seen neglected dogs but never 13 at once. Most of the dogs will need to have their teeth removed.

"The British bulldog is struggling to breathe and its nails have grown into its paws.

"The Rottweiler was covered in faeces. There were clumps of waste hanging from her skin.

"Two other dogs' matted fur is so bad we need veterinary intervention to remove it.

"One of the poodles appears to be void of any life behind its eyes."

Residents in the Ayrshire village called in SSPCA officers after footage of the suspected puppy farm emerged on social media.

But when officers arrived at the property the cages were empty.

The animal welfare charity says an investigation is ongoing.

A local source told the Record: "The poor dogs were just living in their own filth and drinking out of pots and pans.
"It was complete neglect. It made me sick."

Charity owner Lorraine received an anonymous message from someone claiming they needed a home for three dogs as their elderly owner was "too frail" to look after them.

She said: “I received a text. It said they knew of a elderly gentleman who due to his age was unable to give the dogs the care they needed for longer.

"I was suspicious because I had seen a video circulating on social media of neglected dogs in the area.

"I said I would take the three dogs, but then three became six and the next day I received 13."

A man then showed up at the rescue centre with the distressed animals. Lorraine claims he cruelly referred to one dog as "sh**tey" and another a chihuahua "sick boy" as he handed them over.

She added: "I didn’t know how bad the dogs were. I received photographs but they had not adequately captured the horror."

“I was just appalled when I first laid eyes on them.

"Our aim now is to save the lives of them all but we need significant help from our local vets."

Islay Dog Rescue has launched a fundraiser to cover hefty vet bills which are expected to soar beyond £10,000.

A SSPCA spokesperson said: "The Scottish SPCA attended a property at Panta, Ayrshire after a report of welfare concerns of a few dogs. Inspectors attended the property but no dogs were found on the premises.

"Investigations are ongoing."

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers in Ayrshire are aware of concerns for dogs at a premises in the Patna area. Enquiries are at an early stage as we engage with our partners on this matter.”

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