ROBERT BROWNIE OF NEWMAINS SENTENCED FOR PUPPY TRAFFICKING AND NEGLECT IN WISHAW

Robert Brownlie, a resident of Woodside Crescent in Newmains, Wishaw, has been found guilty of multiple charges related to the illegal puppy trade and animal neglect. Born on January 27, 1977, Brownlie’s involvement in the puppy trafficking industry has garnered significant attention from authorities and animal welfare organizations alike.

Brownlie, who is known to be an associate of the infamous Irish puppy farmer Raymond Cullivan, pleaded guilty to several serious offenses. These included causing unnecessary suffering to two cockapoo puppies by failing to protect them from canine parvo virus, a highly contagious and often deadly disease. Additionally, he admitted to neglecting to provide veterinary treatment to one of the cockapoo puppies, actions that are in direct violation of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.

His guilty pleas extended to failing to meet the basic needs of a dog and seven puppies under his care, highlighting a pattern of neglect and irresponsible animal husbandry. Furthermore, Brownlie was charged with offering for sale animals—specifically cockapoo puppies—without possessing the necessary licensing, which contravenes the Pet Animals Act 1951. This act is designed to regulate the sale of pet animals and ensure their welfare during the process.

An undercover inspector involved in the investigation expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the importance of the lifetime disqualification order imposed on Brownlie. The inspector stated, “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the case especially with regards to lifetime disqualification order. This sentence sends out a strong message to anyone involved in the puppy trade that the courts are taking these activities seriously.”

The investigation was part of a broader operation known as Operation Delphin, which aims to combat the illegal puppy trade—a multi-million-pound industry. The Special Investigations Unit of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) collaborated with various organizations, including ISPCA, USPCA, DSPCA, RSPCA, HM Revenue & Customs Trading Standards, Stenaline, Police Scotland Port unit, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), to dismantle these illegal networks.

According to the inspector, the puppies involved in this case, which included Pomeranians and cockapoos, were likely bred in a puppy farm located in Southern Ireland. Such facilities are notorious for their deplorable conditions, where puppies are often reared with minimal socialization and subjected to significant stress due to transportation and environmental changes. This stressful upbringing severely weakens their immune systems, making them highly susceptible to diseases such as parvo virus and giardia, which can lead to high veterinary bills or even death.

The inspector further explained that these trafficked puppies often appear healthy when sold, but health issues tend to manifest later, often after the transaction is complete and the seller has disappeared. This results in distress and financial burden for the new owners, who may face costly treatments or the heartbreaking loss of their pets. The inspector urged anyone who notices signs of illness or distress in a purchased puppy to seek immediate veterinary care.

In sentencing, Brownlie received 240 hours of unpaid work, a fine of £2,880, and a lifetime ban from keeping animals. The case has been widely regarded as a significant victory in the fight against illegal puppy trafficking and neglect. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which authorities are now treating these offenses, aiming to protect vulnerable animals from exploitation and suffering.

Additional updates reveal that in June 2017, Brownlie was targeted in a crackdown by HM Revenue & Customs, along with others such as Lauren Cullivan and Christopher Gorman, due to the flow of designer puppies from Ireland to UK ports. It was reported that Brownlie owed approximately £500,000 in unpaid taxes.

Further revelations emerged in March 2020, when Brownlie was caught on camera boasting about the millions of pounds he had made from selling farmed puppies. During a confrontation with protesters from Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (SAGE) outside Shawfield greyhound racing track, Brownlie claimed he had amassed a £20 million fortune from selling Pomeranian and cockapoo puppies, all without the necessary licenses. A SAGE member recounted that Brownlie approached them, identified himself, and openly discussed his earnings, which disgusted many who learned of his activities. The member noted that Brownlie’s boastful attitude and disregard for animal welfare exemplify the need for strict enforcement and lifelong bans for such offenders.