Unlawfully bred dogs sold through a black-market trade on social media or small advert sites have been identified as a significant source of revenue for drug traffickers and money launderers.

Thousands of pounds are channelled into Scotland’s criminal underworld every year through sales from unscrupulous puppy farms. Some designer dogs breeds can fetch as much as £3,000.

Now the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has urged anyone tempted to buy a puppy online at Christmas to only purchase them through legitimate breeders.

It comes as the Scottish SPCA revealed it has received 2,143 calls in the last five years over suspected puppy farms and puppy breeding. So far this year, the animal charity has received 220 calls from members of the public.

Many animals trafficked by puppy farmers suffer severe health problems and can cost their new owners large vet bills while others are often too ill to survive into adulthood.

Sineidin Corrins, procurator fiscal, said: “It is understandable that many parents may be considering buying a puppy for their children at this time of year as a Christmas present.

“However, we would urge people to carry out proper research and only purchase puppies from legitimate breeders. We are aware that organised crime gangs have infiltrated this activity and continue to use the huge profits they accrue from it to inflict widespread harm on communities throughout Scotland.

“Illegal puppy farming has grown significantly among serious organised crime gangs as a way of raising finance. It plays a fundamental part in financing crime in Scotland. The public should be aware that these gangs are involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and money laundering.”

Hannah Medley, Scottish SPCA’s Special Investigations Unit lead, said: “The low-welfare puppy trade continues to be a serious problem across Scotland. Dogs caught up in this trade are kept in appalling conditions – born into filthy, overcrowded environments and denied proper care, leaving many with lasting health and behavioural problems.

“These criminals deliberately target unsuspecting members of the public, and it is the buyer and the puppy who pay the highest price. Due to the puppy’s poor start in life and the likelihood of not being vaccinated, these animals are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases. 

“Puppies originating from low welfare puppy trade frequently suffer from chronic parasitic conditions, which can often be fatal or result in severe illness. This industry is profit-driven, prioritising financial gain over the health and welfare of the puppies, leading to significant and preventable suffering.”