This petition has been launched in response to an investigation undertaken by BBC Scotland and aired on Wednesday the 15th April 2015. This investigation highlighted failings in the justice system to adequately safeguard the welfare of dogs being bred for profit.

Some of the abuses highlighted were:
1) Puppies being removed from their mothers and stored in freezing conditions by themselves, given herbal treatments instead of veterinary vaccinations, and being sold to anyone who will pay the fee without a vet card, or any home checks on the potential owner.

2) Bitches left alone in cages with no access to a run, with automated feeding systems so as to starve them of as little human contact as possible and being used over and over to breed until they become unprofitable and  measures were allegedly sought to dispose of the animals at this stage, including attempting to procure a handgun.

3) Dogs being kept in such unhygenic conditions that they contract infections, parvo and disease, with fatal consequences for some.

4) Dogs so fearful of human interaction that they lead to severe behavioural problems, due to being neglected early in their lives.

One puppy farm in question had their solicitor issue a statement to say that they are operating within the law, if current legislation allows the above abuses to occur legally, then we demand that this legislation be changed.

The signatures below are seeking the following:
1) A change to breeders licensing, ensuring that dogs cannot be bred on an industrial scale, so as to better enhance the lives of these dogs and ensure their welfare. In essence, we need to shut down puppy farms.

2) Regular and more frequent spot checks to be carried out on any breeder facilities that currently exist, with any breach to the welfare of the animals on the property to be met with immediate removal of ALL animals on the property. No animals should be left on those premises if gross negligence is obvious.

3) If found guilty, these breeders should receive the severest of penalties as should any third party involved in any way with this animal abuse, from the transport to the reselling of these dogs.

We want justice for these animals and we want to see change happen now.