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Now another Scottish puppy farmer arrested

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."