A PROBE is under way to trace a woman who was spotted selling puppies from the boot of a car outside a supermarket, writes Bob Burgess.
Officers from the animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA say the pups were probably bred for profit at a puppy farm Ireland.
They have studied footage from closed circuit television cameras provided by bosses at Asda in Galashiels. The cameras picked out the woman selling German Shepherd pups between 12.30pm and 1pm on Saturday, October 20.
Members of the public alerted the animal charity when she was spotted with the dogs in a silver Ford Ka. She’s described as white, aged between 25 and 35 with an Eastern European accent. Selling animals in a public place and without a license is a criminal offence.
Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We believe that at least one puppy was sold and we are very keen to speak to the person who purchased it – this is only to help us with our enquiries , they have not committed an offence by buying the dog.
“The vehicle appears to be from southern Ireland. It’s possible these dogs have been bred in a puppy farm in Ireland. We would have serious concerns for their health and welfare.”
Inspector Flynn said it was not known if the pups have been checked by a vet and vaccinated.
He went on: “Anyone who would sell a puppy out of a car boot to a complete stranger has no concern for their well-being and doesn’t care whether they are going to responsible owners. They are only interested in making a profit. It’s possible this woman also tried to sell these puppies in other car parks and public places over that weekend, so we are asking people to think back and call us if they remember anything. People who witnesses such activity should contact us or the police immediately.”
Contact the Scottish SPCA helpline on 03000 999 999.