CUNNINGHAME South 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.

She 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.

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 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.

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.”