Seven people were caught puppy smuggling at the port between January and this month, resulting in 140 young dogs being seized and rehomed.
A report detailing the crimes is to be presented at next week’s meeting of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s economy, environment and infrastructure committee.
And members are being asked to extend the authority it has granted to the SSPCA under the Trade in Animals and Related Products (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (TARPS).
South Scotland MSP Emma Harper MSP said: “Seizing 140 puppies since January is a good start and I hope the council will extend the authorisation given to SSPCA officers for another 12 months because it gives them wider authority to intervene where puppies are being transported in ways which don’t comply with the regulations.”
She commented that puppy trafficking is particularly cruel and animal welfare is the last thing that the people who undertake this trade consider.
Ms Harper said: “Puppies can die in transit and as a result of problems they have developed while being reared in less favourable conditions.
“People might think they are getting a lovely happy puppy, only later to discover that it is in poor health.”
Lending his support, Richard Arkless MP said: “All that can be done, must be done to ensure that trafficking is made as difficult as possible for dealers.”
