PROPOSALS to create Scotland's first industrial puppy farm has been met with strong objections.

The facility, which would be based in a disused stable block on a farm near Galston in remote Ayrshire, would house around 40 dogs.

Plans however have already ignited outrage, with residents and the Scottish SPCA preparing to go against the proposals being considered by East Ayrshire Council. 

The application was made by Hazel Hamilton who is married to Stephen Hamilton, 46, the brother of David and Jonathan Hamilton who run the UK Dog Breeding Academy, in Fivemiletown, County Tyrone.

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It appeared in a TV documentary about puppy farming and is claimed to be the largest licensed dog breeding establishment in the UK.

The Scottish SPCA confirmed it would be objecting to the plans.

An inspector told The Sunday Post: "We will be discussing the current application with the East Ayrshire Council as a matter of urgency.

"We are liaising with councils across Scotland in an attempt to ensure the welfare of puppies and breeding bitches involved in the licensed and unlicensed commercial trade."

Plans lodged last month indicate that a maximum of 40 breeding dogs would be kept on the site.

A East Ayrshire Council spokeswoman added that objections to the plan are expected, though not on what grounds.

She said: "We can confirm we have received an application for a dog breeding licence."

Police Scotland wouldn’t comment and a spokeswoman said: "We have not currently put in any objections."

Stephen and Hazel Hamilton refused to comment when approached on Friday evening.