CAMPAIGNERS in Galloway have lodged a petition with almost 1000 signatures calling on the Scottish Government to take action against puppy trafficking.

The petition, submitted by campaigner Eileen Bryant, has the full backing of South Scotland MSP Emma Harper, who says locals are concerned that many of the puppies are coming through the port of Cairnryan.

Harper said: “This mass breeding of puppies are coming either through southern Ireland, to the north and then through Cairnryan, some are then going to Holyhead. The SSPCA told me they reckoned 200 puppies come through Holyhead every week and many of the dogs are purchased online.

“There are also issues around designer breeds. Our advice is if you want a dog go to a rescue centre.”

The action against irresponsible dog breeding calls on the Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to investigate what can be done to address the farming and illegal transportation of puppies. The petition is expected to be heard by the petitions committee end of April.

Harper added: “I am backing this petition 100 per cent. We think the committee is going to look at it on April 27. I know that the Scottish Government is already looking into the welfare of dogs.”

The petition highlights major concerns that puppies and their mothers are being put at risk of disease because of the cruel, unsafe and unsanitary conditions in which they are being bred.