Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill described illegal puppy farms as “scandalous” although he is not sure what can be done to tackle online sales.
Last month three men admitted running an illegal puppy farm in the north-east, selling animals in such a bad state they died within days of being sold.
Frank James, his brother Edward and 18-year-old son Sean, all pleaded guilty to keeping 72 dogs in horrific conditions at Eastermains Ardlogie, Fyvie. Many of the animals suffered from lice, skin sores and matted hair.
North-east Conservative MSP Nanette Milne yesterday pressed Mr MacAskill for action to tackle the sale of puppies and dogs online.
The justice secretary said policing the internet caused “great difficulties” in all areas, not just puppies, as it crossed jurisdictions and was compounded by consumer affairs being reserved to Westminster.
“We seek to make Scotland as safe a place as possible not just for humans but for animals, and to tackle the issue that Nanette Milne correctly raised, which is quite scandalous,” he said.
“Initially, the issue involved the transportation of dogs from eastern Europe, with many coming through United Kingdom points of entry. Scottish police and others work with their UK counterparts, but it is clear that people can access weapons, drugs and puppies over the internet.”
Mr MacAskill said the issue was being kept under review and he would get information from his and the environment and rural affairs departments and Police Scotland.
“It is hard to say how we can have proper enforcement until such time as the issue can be addressed here, but I will reflect on the matter and come back to Nanette Milne with as much information as I can,” he said.
Local authorities are responsible for issuing licences for dog breeding establishments.
Afterwards Mrs Milne said: “I welcome the constructive attitude taken by the cabinet secretary to this important issue. It is vital that we see real action taken to address puppy farming especially in the run up to Christmas.
“It is clear that a multi-agency approach will be needed to address the many issues surrounding the indiscriminate breeding of dogs and I hope that this can be progressed urgently.”