Parents who buy a puppy from an unauthorised breeder as a Christmas present are being warned they could be getting duped into helping to fund organised crime.

The illegal puppy trade is often carried out through online platforms, particularly Gumtree, free ads and Pets4Homes.

Some sought-after designer breeds, such as Cavapoos, can be priced as high as £3,000.

But many animals later suffer serious health problems and either cost their new owners huge vet bills or are too sick to survive.

Ahead of an expected surge in puppy purchases as Christmas approaches, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has urged potential buyers to double-check the legitimacy of sellers.

Laura Buchan, Procurator Fiscal for Specialist Casework, said: “Illegal puppy farming has grown significantly among serious organised crime gangs as a way of raising finance. These gangs are involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and money laundering.

“We would urge people to ensure they buy dogs from properly licensed breeders or from recognised outlets.”

For more information, visit www.scottishspca.org/our-work/campaigns/say-no-to-puppy-dealers.