TWENTY-SEVEN puppies and young dogs have been returned to Ireland after being discovered concealed in a van at Cairnryan ferry port in Galway.
The dogs and puppies, which include a mix of Chihuahua, Spaniel and Collie types, are now safe in ISPCA care.
They range in age and are believed to have originated from the Republic of Ireland.
(Picture: ISPCA)The dogs were not microchipped, which is now a legal requirement.
There were also no pet passports found, also legally required for the commercial movement of dogs to the UK from the Republic of Ireland.
The puppies were seized by Police Scotland who immediately contacted the Scottish SPCA.
The ISPCA credited the Ulster SPCA for safely transporting the dogs from Cairnryan to Newry, where they were collected by the ISPCA and brought to the National Animal Centre in Longford.
27 puppies & young dogs are in ISPCA care after being discovered concealed in a van at Cairnryan ferry port, Scotland. The puppies of various ages & breeds were not microchipped or accompanied by pet passports. Read more about this shocking discovery here https://t.co/iZ2DAJnrlZ pic.twitter.com/lSHKDFpEue
— ISPCA (@ISPCA1) May 4, 2018
ISPCA Chief Inspector Conor Dowling said: “The manner in which these puppies were concealed illustrates the lengths to which these unscrupulous dealers will go in order to make money from unfortunate animals.
“While most of these puppies might not have been of high value in Ireland, it is estimated that the entire consignment may have fetched over £10,000 on the British market. For some people, that potential profit outweighs the suffering caused to vulnerable puppies.
“The ISPCA will be making further enquiries with regard to the origin and transport of this group of pups. The puppies are currently receiving veterinary assessment at the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Longford.
“They are not yet available for adoption but will be in the coming weeks. As always, we would like to appeal to anyone who is looking for a dog or puppy to please act responsibly and consider adopting from a rescue rather than going online to buy one.”
The dogs are not currently available for adoption but will be in the coming weeks.
See More: Animal Cruelty, Dogs, Ireland, Scotland
