Cruella Dodges Ban On Selling Sick Pups

Mar 16 2008 By Steve Dinneen

A CALLOUS puppy farmer has dodged an immediate ban on selling sick dogs.

Liz Baird faced court after a flood of complaints about the health of the pups she sells from Hillbank Kennels near Hurlford, Ayrshire.

But she was granted a week's extension to defend her business, although Kilmarnock sheriff Iona McDonald warned she was likely to impose a ban on Tuesday. The sheriff said Baird's dogs must be "fit and healthy for a period of four weeks following purchase".

We have received almost 70 complaints about Baird - dubbed Cruella the Vile - from angry customers who bought sick or dying pups.

The legal action was brought by East Ayrshire Council trading standards.

Baird told the court: "I'm a reputable dealer. There isn't a breeder in the country who hasn't had some pups that are ill or die.

"If a cow dies in a field nobody has a go at the farmer. It's just a part of the industry I'm in."

Tuesday's hearing will also decide whether action will be taken over allegedly misleading adverts and bounced cheques written by Baird. She also faces a criminal trial over claims made in puppy adverts.