THE Scottish SPCA has launched an investigation into reports of a puppy farm in the Doon Valley.
The animal welfare charity's probe follows a statement by the Islay Dog Rescue group, based near Cumnock, who said 13 dogs - who they are calling 'The Patna 13' - had been taken into their care.
Islay Dog Rescue launched a fund-raiser to help the animals which has seen more than £11,000 donated by kind-hearted members of the public.
The first reports of the issue came on the evening of Sunday, May 5, before Islay Dog Rescue said it was alerted to the dogs apparently being in an "unsuitable situation".
Ayrshire Drone Dog Rescue (ADDR), which operates across Ayrshire by aiming to reunite owners with their lost pets, also said its team had been made aware of the apparent "puppy farm".
The Scottish SPCA said its staff had attended an address in Patna, but no dogs were found there.
It's believed the animals were recovered from another property in the Doon Valley.
Islay Dog Rescue says the animals now need extensive treatment for dental issues, vaccinations and matting problems.
The dog rescue charity set up a fund-raiser on Wednesday, May 8, with an initial target of £5,000.
That was met within a few hours, and the target was then extended to £10,000.
As this article was published on May 9, the total donated had reached £11,847, with one generous donor giving £1,000 to the cause.
Lorraine Jardine, who runs Islay Dog Rescue, said: "When asked for help, we agreed without question, but their condition has rocked us back on our heels.
"All of the dogs need significant care. Most need extensive dental work carried out.
"The longer-haired dogs are incredibly matted and at least two may need veterinary intervention for us to even manage to get their mats off.
"We will not become part of any 'naming and shaming' or victimising online. Neither will we be drawn into discussing the owner or anything pertaining to him.
"Our focus, as always, is the dogs.
"Our aim is to save the lives of them all, but it's not guaranteed without significant veterinary support - and anybody with animals knows this is very expensive."
A Scottish SPCA spokesperson said: "The Scottish SPCA attended a property at Patna, Ayrshire after a report of welfare concerns of a few dogs.
"Inspectors attended the property but no dogs were found on the premise.
"Investigations are ongoing."
Donations to the Islay Dog Rescue crowdfunder can be made online at gofundme.com/f/the-patna-13.
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