“REPUTABLE” dog breeders in the Borders are being urged to join a free scheme to tackle Scotland’s low-welfare puppy trade. According to the Scottish SPCA – the nation’s charity promoting animal welfare – the demand for puppies during the coronavirus lockdown has increased ‘seismically’. However, the charity says this has led to “bad breeders” putting “profit over the welfare of the breeding dogs and puppies”, with the Scottish SPCA now calling on Borders breeders to join its Assured Puppy Breeder Scheme. “Now, more than ever, we need to provide assurance for the public that they are buying a puppy from responsible breeders,” said Scottish SPCA head of education, policy and research, Gilly Mendes Ferreira.