Thousands of people have signed a petition in an attempt to block kennels at a north-east farm being used.
The move comes days after councillors on Formartine’s area committee delayed making a decision on whether five modular buildings on property at East Mains of Ardlogie, near Fyvie, could house dogs.
The proposal – to use the buildings – has been brought forward by Michelle Wood, on land that had formerly operated as an illegal puppy farm.
No breeding licence has yet been applied for.
But more than 3,000 people have already signed the petition on www.change.org asking Aberdeenshire Council to prevent the farm from being used to breed and sell puppies.
Lynne Bevilacqua launched the campaign on Thursday.
In a message to supporters, she said there was “no need” for a commercial dog breeding farm in 2017.
“Please sign to show your support for the poor dogs,” she said.
“It is of the utmost importance that all parents are health tested to ensure the health of future generations. I have to say that the majority of ‘commercial’ breeders have no inclination to health test, ensure breed standard is appropriate, or socialise puppies.
“All these things are paramount to ensure that the puppies that you buy are healthy, well adjusted and fit for purpose.”
She added that dogs in puppy farms are kept in “appalling conditions with little human contact”.
Senior planning officer Alan Davidson had recommended to the committee that the buildings be granted planning permission.
He said: “In terms of policy, it complies. Effectively it’s a dog kennels and we see the countryside as an appropriate place for businesses like that.
“In order to get a breeding licence, you have to have planning permission.”
The Scottish SPCA and other animal welfare groups raised fears when a bid was made to secure a breeding licence for the remote site last year.
It was submitted by Elizabeth James, three of whose family members were prosecuted for keeping dogs in appalling conditions there in 2014.