To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will encourage the public not to buy puppies or dogs during the festive period, in light of the reported possibility that these may be the product of irresponsible breeders, including illegal puppy farms. (S6F-03648)

On the basis that a dog is for life, and not just for Christmas, the Scottish Government works throughout the year with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, local authorities and other Administrations, to raise awareness of the responsibilities of prospective dog owners and of buying a pet safely. We particularly point to the Scottish SPCA’s Christmas campaign on the issue and we encourage prospective owners to consider rehoming a dog, instead of buying a puppy.

We welcome and support Christine Grahame’s efforts with the Welfare of Dogs (Scotland) Bill, which will help to emphasise the need for people to act responsibly when deciding to buy a dog or to take one into their lives, and to be responsible owners in ensuring the dog’s welfare for as long as they have it.

Will the First Minister take the opportunity to commend the responsible breeders and rescue centres that will not home dogs, puppies or kittens over the festive period? The disturbance, bright lights and noise are the last thing those animals need as an introduction to their new home.

Anyone who has concerns that puppies are being trafficked should report that to the police or the SSPCA. Anyone who sees a puppy being advertised online or is buying it out of the back of a van in a car park will have no idea where that puppy came from or the misery that brought its journey to an end.

I know, admire and respect Christine Grahame’s long interest in those issues and commend all the wise advice that she has put on the record for members of the public. All the steps that she has set out are valuable in ensuring that individuals purchase pets in a responsible and sustained climate in which the welfare of the animal has been assured and protected. My colleague’s advice is very important at this time.

I also voice my support for the Scottish SPCA’s efforts to promote responsible pet purchases, and I commend the work by Christine Grahame and Maurice Golden, along with that of other agencies, to smash the smugglers.

The public also have an important role to play. Ferries, especially through the port of Cairnryan, are one of the key smuggling channels. Does the First Minister agree that it is important that passengers are aware of suspicious activity and know how to report it? Posters and social media efforts do not reach everyone, so what more can the Scottish Government do to ensure that more passengers receive that message?

Mr Whittle raises an important point. The Government works closely with officials in the Northern Ireland Executive and with key agencies, through the paws for thought puppy trafficking group, to disrupt and target those who are involved in that trade. Many collaborative actions are taken by us and the Northern Ireland Executive, and the multi-agency pet trade task force shares intelligence and targets those who are involved in the illegal breeding and smuggling of puppies. I hope that that assures Mr Whittle that there is active engagement between the Scottish Government and that of Northern Ireland, as well as with other United Kingdom Administrations, to ensure that the issue is properly and fully addressed, to the best of our ability.