A woman sold an ill puppy to an unsuspecting buyer for £475 and it died just days later, an animal welfare charity said.
The woman, believed to be from Kirkcaldy in Fife, sold the lhasa apso to a female buyer in Dalgety Bay on November 8 through the website Gumtree.
The Scottish SPCA said the buyer was left “heartbroken” when the puppy was taken ill almost immediately and diagnosed with pneumonia consistent with poor care and living conditions.
The puppy died three days later, with the new owner facing a large vet bill for its treatment.
The seller delivered the puppy to the buyer’s home and gave no receipt or contact details. The phone number used to arrange the sale is no longer being answered, the Scottish SPCA said.
The woman is described as being aged around 60, of heavy build, with a full head of grey hair and a local accent. She drove a white 4×4 vehicle.
A Scottish SPCA officer said: “The seller took £475 in cash for the pup and left, with no receipt or Kennel Club documentation offered.
“The seller is no longer answering the number listed online and anyone with information about her identity is urged to contact us.
“We would urge people to be wary of purchasing puppies from free websites. Our advice to anyone considering buying a puppy is to always go to the breeder or seller’s home or kennels and insist on seeing the dog’s mother.
“People should never allow the dog to be delivered to their home or buy the animal in a public place, no matter what excuse the breeder provides.
“Buyers should also always ask for a receipt, complete with all the seller’s contact details.”
Anyone with information is being urged to contact the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.