A BOX of puppies was seized at Dublin Port on Monday heading to Britain for resale.
During Operation Seaport, An Garda Síochána seized five puppies hidden in a cardboard box in the back of a van.
The van was on its way to board a ferry at the port.
The puppies were seized by An Garda Síochána during Operation Seaport. (Source: Facebook)The puppies, which appear to be a terrier type, are about six weeks old.
It's thought this litter of puppies was a test-run for more expensive breeds to be imported in the run up to Christmas.
The Dublin Society for the Protection and Care of Animals are now taking care of the pups, as they are undergoing "serious" worm infestation and being treated for dehydration.
The DSPCA has said "This is just another case of illegal smuggling of underage puppies," adding that the obvious disregard for the pups' welfare "is of great concern."
Five puppies were seized at Dublin Port on the way to Britain for resale. (Source: Facebook)In January this year, customs officers at Dublin Post found 18 puppies smuggled in the boot of a car on the way to Britain.
There are an estimated 70,000-80,000 pups exported from Ireland to Britain every year.
Gillian Bird, spokeswoman for the DSPCA says the society estimates the Irish puppy industry accounts for about 10 per cent of the total puppies sold in Britain.
In 2014, the pet population of Britain was estimated at nine million dogs.
According to figures released in the same year, the RSPCA alone rescued more than 128,209 animals from being trafficked, kept on puppy farms and sold by dealers on to the public.
Read the DSPCA's full post about the seized puppies here...
Last night, Monday 27th September, Gardaí from Stores Street Garda Station seized 5 puppies which were hidden in a...
Posted by Dublin SPCA on Tuesday, 27 September 2016
