IRVINE MSP Ruth Maguire has hit out at the illegal puppy trade.

This week, she called on residents to be sure they buy from a reputable seller.

The Cunninghame South MSP says buyers should make sure puppies come from a loving home with a healthy mother or visit a rescue centre.

Last week, MSPs held a debate on ending the illegal trafficking, amidst ongoing concerns about the import of farmed puppies to Scotland, which the SSPCA has been working to disrupt.

After meeting some recently rescued puppies in parliament, MSPs used to the debate to urge people to consider re-homing from a rescue centre, or ensure that they buy their pets from a reputable seller.

During the debate, Ms Maguire highlighted how one simple way to do this is to ensure that the puppy is seen at home with a healthy mother.

This is being promoted by the #NoMumNoSale hashtag campaign.

Speaking after the debate, she said: “The people who run cruel puppy farms and traffic these cute wee animals in horrible conditions thrive on us not asking questions, 

“And not looking into where they are coming from. So it is our duty to do just that.

“It is heartening that this in an issue on which public opinion is largely united.

“But we need to make sure that our opposition to the illegal trafficking of puppies, and to their being farmed like commodities, is translated into action, by continuing to raise awareness of these issues.

"We should also encourage people to think very carefully both about getting a puppy and about where they are getting it from.

“We should always keep in mind that a puppy is for life and not just for Christmas.”