This charges against the couple came following a five-year puppy dealing investigation by the Scottish SPCA which concluded with 33 dogs being seized from their premises. Following the conviction on Monday, a spokesperson on behalf of the Scottish SPCA commented on the investigation in a social media post. “Stephen Hamilton is originally from Northern Ireland where his family run a large-scale dog breeding business, the UK Dog Breeding Academy, formerly known as Furnish Kennels,” they said. “We believe the offences were serious enough for a custodial sentencing and a lifetime ban on owning and keeping animals. “The Scottish SPCA is calling for a National Animals Offenders Register to be introduced, but for it to be effective, stronger punishments that are in line with the crimes committed must be imposed.