More than 60 dogs have been seized following a raid at a suspected puppy farm in Moray.
In a joint operation involving Moray Council and Police Scotland, inspectors from the Scottish SPCA visited an address where concerns had been raised about animals.
The dogs are now being cared for by the Scottish SPCA’s animal care teams.
Sixty dogs were seized during the initial raid, but two were pregnant at the time and Scotland’s animal welfare charity is now caring for 78.
Kirsteen Campbell, chief executive of the Scottish SPCA, said: “Our animal care and veterinary experts have been selflessly working around the clock to provide care for these poor animals since the raid.
“Whilst it is an immense challenge, the main thing is these dogs are all receiving an amazing amount of love and care.
“It costs an average of £15 per day to care for a single dog, but money is no object now these dogs are in a safe place.
“Many of these dogs need ongoing veterinary care and we are going through a lot of food and supplies for the puppies.
“Any support members of the public can provide is most welcome.”
Moray Council’s trading standards officers acted when they spotted several similar adverts for puppies for sale online.
The authority’s trading standards manager said the multi-agency approach taken by Moray Council, the Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland was vital.
A statement from the council said: “Our officers’ remit is to deal with consumer protection, however a situation like this throws up many issues which requires the expertise of different agencies.
“I’m pleased that through collaborative working, we’ve been able to safeguard the welfare of the puppies. The puppies are now in the experienced and able hands of the Scottish SPCA.”
The Scottish SPCA is in urgent need of puppy milk and cotton pads for toileting and cleaning puppies.
Anyone who can help can purchase these through the charity’s Amazon wishlist or drop supplies in to their nearest centre or the Scottish SPCA’s headquarters in Dunfermline.
