“REPUTABLE” dog breeders in the Borders are being urged to join a free scheme to tackle Scotland’s low-welfare puppy trade.

According to the Scottish SPCA – the nation’s charity promoting animal welfare – the demand for puppies during the coronavirus lockdown has increased ‘seismically’.

However, the charity says this has led to “bad breeders” putting “profit over the welfare of the breeding dogs and puppies”, with the Scottish SPCA now calling on Borders breeders to join its Assured Puppy Breeder Scheme.

“Now, more than ever, we need to provide assurance for the public that they are buying a puppy from responsible breeders,” said Scottish SPCA head of education, policy and research, Gilly Mendes Ferreira.

“We don’t currently have any breeders in the Scottish Borders area so we are very keen for reputable breeders in the region to sign-up to help us tackle the low-welfare puppy trade.”

READ MORE: Borders woman tricked into buying puppy from 'illegal dealer'

According to the Scottish SPCA, it had to seize over 150 puppies from low-welfare farms or dealers last year.

The charity says that, “in many instances”, puppies had been taken too early from their mothers or were “riddled with infectious diseases” – leading to “many puppies passing away”.

“Our mantra is ‘adopt, don’t shop’ and we will always advocate rescuing rather than buying,” said Ms Mendes Ferreira. “But, as long as puppies are suffering due to this industry, we will do what we can to bring down this despicable trade.

“Sadly, public demand for the ‘next-day delivery’ of a puppy remains sky-high and this is fuelling the multi-million-pound low-welfare trade.

“Our aim is to save puppies and dogs and stop owners going through the heartbreak of buying a sick puppy.

“No animal deserves that life, if you can call it that, and we will do all we can to stop this happening.”

READ MORE: Woman dies after road crash in the Borders – police appeal for witnesses

The voluntary scheme is free and available to any dog breeder in Scotland.

The Scottish SPCA does not profit from the sale of puppies, but receives a “small commission” from Petplan Ltd when a litter is registered.

Successful applicants will then be visited annually by inspectors to ensure the breeding premises are of a “high standard”.

The scheme is supported by Trading Standards Scotland.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Borders care home deaths to be investigated by Crown Office team

Julie McCarron, head of intelligence and co-ordination at Trading Standards Scotland, said: “We are supporting the Scottish SPCA Assured Puppy Breeder Scheme because it gives consumers a means of ensuring that they are obtaining a puppy from a reputable source.

“It gives consumers peace of mind that their pup is likely to be healthy and is not likely to require costly vet treatment.

“It also helps avoid the emotional distress of having purchased a sick animal who may die soon after it is purchased.”

You can find out more information on how to join the scheme here.