TWO MORE Puppy Farm dealers were detained by Scottish police over the transport of 102 puppies in a trailer. One of the men was subsequently arrested and was due to appear in Stranraer Sheriff Court on Tuesday of this week (25 November).
The
man has been identified at Stephen Hamilton, a dealer who
has previously been convicted of operating without a licence
and selling sick or dying dogs, but was fined £500
by the courts.
This seizure comes in the wake of the conviction of puppy
farmer John Walsh - of whom Hamilton is a known associate
- and highlights the horrific trade in puppies.
Ken McKie, secretary of the anti-puppy farming organisation,
Waterside Action Group (WAG) told OUR DOGS:
"It is with mixed emotions to WAG that it has now been
revealed that the man arrested by police at Stranraer is
Stephen Hamilton. This man has been convicted of operating
without a licence and selling sick or dying dogs, strangely
enough, like John Walsh, he too was fined £500. We
were appalled when the Scottish Executive decided to grant
him planning permission for the premises despite a huge
volume of public opinion against it. We will be examining
this decision closely as there are obviously false statements
made in it about WAG.
"Whilst we are delighted with such a seizure we feel
great pity for the poor animals involved. It is now time
for the Ferry Companies to pay attention to this trade,
as movements like this one are regular occurrences both
in Scotland and the remainder of mainland UK. We ask all
our supporters to plague the Ferry companies over this.
We have no objection to the legitimate and legal movement
of pet animals but this trade is not legal and is in no
way legitimate!
"Stephen Hamilton has shown great contempt of the Law,
Local Authorities and the public at last and hopefully this
time the punishment meted out in court will match the seriousness
of the crime.
Mr Mc Kie added: "We would ask our supporters, at this
time, not to plague the SSPCA with calls. At this time the
position with regards these puppies in unclear but we have
been assured by the SSPCA that any assistance they may need
they will let us know.
"Let us hope that this is the start of many actions
to stop this trade. On Tuesday coming Hamilton will be in
court, Christine Graham MSP will be launching her private
member’s bill and Margaret Jamieson MSP will be raising
a question in parliament over these matters."