Members' Business: Adopt Don't Shop - 20 December 2017
Channel: The Scottish Parliament
Date: 2017-12-20

Emma Harper: Adopt Don't Shop—That the Parliament believes that, while dogs
are the most popular companion animals in the UK, they are also a lucrative source of income for
many; recognises concerns raised by academics from the University of Sheffield, in Scottish
Government-commissioned research, that both the illegal trade in, and irresponsible breeding of, dogs are escalating; understands that central to these concerns are large-scale commercial
breeders in Scotland, the illegal trafficking of dogs into the country, including through Cairnryan
Port, and the largely uncontrolled third-party online traders, who it considers now dominate the
puppy trade; understands that there are currently thousands of dogs situated in rescue centres
across Scotland who need homes; notes that reputable shelters are able to assess and support
the rehoming of many breeds and ages of dog, and notes the view that anyone considering getting
a puppy should adopt from a reputable shelter or rescue centre run by an organisation such as the
Scottish SPCA.

Published by the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body.

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