Puppy farmers trafficking sick and infected animals into Inverclyde

The warning comes after an unwitting Greenock buyer took delivery of an underweight and virus-ridden Jack Russell after ordering the pup from an illicit online dealer.

Chris McGowan has told how 'huge red flag' warning signs about the legitimacy of the sale failed to register with him because of his 'excitement' at getting a new pet.

Now, following numerous trips to the vet and constant worry over pup Loki's health, Chris, 40, is urging other potential victims of the greedy traders to 'just walk away'.

He said: "I think emotion is one of the hardest things in this situation as you feel like you're saving the dog but in fact, you're just fuelling the trade, so more dogs and families go through the same pain and expense."

Chris spoke out as the Scottish SPCA launches a 'Say No To Puppy Dealers' campaign, urging people to have patience and wait for reputable breeders to have pups available instead of seeking a quick fix on the internet.

Neil McIntosh of Greenock's Abbey Vets, has warned that some diseases carried by the trafficked puppies are a danger to human health.

Neil said: "Some viruses pose a risk to people in the household, particularly the young and the elderly and infirm.

"The pups are bred without a thought as to the quality of the parents, and they often have undershot and overshot jaws.

"People want their puppy now and don't want to wait.

"It is safer to traffic puppies than humans or drugs, but it is a crime nonetheless.

"People are unwittingly funding the criminals by taking pity on the pups."

Buyer Chris — who used the Gumtree website to source his pet — told how how an Irishman called 'Jamie' turned up at his house with Loki wrapped in a blanket under his arm.

He said: "Thinking about it now, the photos on the advert did seem like stock images, which is a huge red flag, but the excitement is too much and you just assume they're legit.

"I should have studied the pictures in more detail and reputable breeders will happily send you pictures of how your puppy is developing if you ask them.

"The dog was clearly in ill-health and very skinny — you could fit the pup in the palm of your hand.

"However, when we took him to be checked out by the vet, we were told he had lots of viruses and that the dog was in fact female but as she was so skinny, it was difficult to tell.

"My advice to people now would be to walk away if they feel something isn't right and get in touch with the Scottish SPCA.

"We're lucky as we've managed to nurse Loki back to health, but many others buy puppies from illegal breeders that die within days."

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn says the industry's trade is fuelled due to 'profit and public demand'.

He added: "The quickest way to halt the supply of illegally bred pups is for public demand to fall.

"If you go to a reputable breeder, you may be waiting over 24 months for a puppy.

"When people find out about the length of wait, they turn to the internet where they can get a puppy immediately.

"This is how the illegal dealers make their money, by being able to match this demand.

"We need to get across that the public has a responsibility. Do your research. Never buy a puppy that is brought to your home.

"Make sure you see the puppy in the environment it was raised in, with its mother and always ask for veterinary documentation.

"If anyone has any concerns, we would urge them to call our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999."