'Someone was telling porkies to the SSPCA' about Puffin Croft – false reports of animal neglect at John O'Groats petting farm has owner fuming
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The owner of an animal petting farm at John O'Groats that featured in a TV documentary series is angry after SSPCA officers were called out to her premises based on what she says are false allegations of neglect.
Cara Young is the owner of Puffin Croft, a petting farm that featured in a Channel 5 series with celebrity broadcaster Ben Fogle two years ago, and has prided herself over the excellent ratings for her business on Tripadvisor and Google Reviews.
Speaking earlier today, Cara said: "So the SSPCA came yesterday after a report that my piglets and a male pig had bad eye infections and were in a poor state; that three of my angora rabbits were matted and in a poor state; that the pond had algae on it and the geese were in a poor state. This person also told them they had been a pig farmer at one time which is why they knew how bad the pigs were looking."
However, when inspectors for the animal welfare charity visited all the pigs they found no health issues of any kind and "their eyes were all clean and bright". Cara does not own Angora rabbits but the inspectors checked all the animals at the site and found no issues.
"There was algae on the pond a few days back and that was the first time I had ever seen it there but then it rained and was gone. I also give the geese a bucket of fresh water every day too. The SSPCA looked around all the animals and were more than happy." She told the paper that there are six pigs at Puffin Croft and all the animals were found to be in "great condition, thriving and happy with no welfare issues".
"I have a great relationship with the SSPCA – they know me and we have always worked well together. It happens occasionally that people report me and the SSPCA have never found any issues historically either. I always welcome their visits as an opportunity to learn and change if needed as the animals' welfare is always most important to me."
Puffin Croft is made up of animals that have been rehomed, rescued, bought and born. All the animals live their full lives on the farm and occasionally some will need a bit of extra care and attention, says Cara. "Over the past 15 months I have spent almost £4k on vet bills as I never shy from making sure the animals have what they need to thrive."
Cara said that the SSPCA inspectors wondered why the complainant had not directly approach her over the alleged welfare issues. "I am a very approachable person and always happy to share information on my animals and the care they are receiving.
"Anyone who knows me knows that the animals are my first priority and the reason I bought the farm in the first place. Over the years, I have worked continuously to improve the farm to make the best life I can for all the animals. I open the farm to visitors all year round so that others can enjoy spending time with the animals and people always comment on how friendly and well cared for they are."
Cara believes that jealousy may have been a motive with a "bit of the green-eyed monster going on" and that was the "only eye problem to be found". When she posted about the incident on the Puffin Croft Facebook page there were over 600 likes and over 100 positive comments about the farm and her approach to animal welfare. Amid the comments of support were some humorous ones that included "someone was telling porkies to the SSPCA"; "perfect piggy peepers"; "something to snout about" and "they should keep their snout out".
Scottish SPCA inspector, Maria Bain, said: “We can confirm that we attended Puffin Croft Petting Farm on Wednesday 28 September after a call from a member of the public.
“We found all the animals to be in good condition and we have no concerns about the welfare of any of the animals on site.”
Puffin Croft is open daily throughout the year from 10am – 5pm in the summer and until 2pm in the winter.
