Up to 100 defenceless pups were found in squalid conditions in two lorries from Ireland, RSPCA investigators say
Up to 100 defenceless puppies have been rescued from filthy conditions at Holyhead Port after being smuggled into the country.
An operation led by the RSPCA found Beagles, Basset Hounds, Labradoodles and Pomeranians that would have meant a “cash bonanza” for whoever planned to sell them on.
They had been hidden behind bales of hay in two lorries that were intercepted at the port. They had no ventilation, food or water, and some were as young as six weeks old.
Ian Briggs, of RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “These poor puppies were being carted into Wales in deeply inappropriate conditions in the early hours of the morning.
“Sadly, to unscrupulous dealers, these young pups are nothing more than a cash bonanza - and dealers would have been targeting tens of thousands of pounds from these shipments.
“This is another shocking example of people being readily prepared to act illegally and compromise the welfare of defenceless animals to make a quick buck - but, fortunately, they were stopped in their tracks.”
He added: “The RSPCA was delighted to be able to work so closely with a number of partner agencies to target these puppy dealers, and their involvement with us demonstrates the importance of working together in the interests of animal welfare. We are hugely grateful as to the commitment they have shown this critical issue.
“We believe thousands of unsuspecting buyers purchase puppies who have been imported in shocking conditions, handing huge profits to unscrupulous traders.”
Gareth Pritchard, Deputy Chief Constable of North Wales Police and NPCC Lead for Dangerous Dogs and Companion Animals, said: “There is concern from many police forces about how criminals are seeking to make money from illegal and inappropriate puppy importation. These activities can cause severe animal welfare problems and provide revenue for criminals.
“We are pleased to work with the RSCPA on this important operation and the recent activity does demonstrate the scale of the problem. We will continue our discussions with the Welsh Government and DEFRA to seek improved controls on importation.”
Brian Gilles, CEO of the DSPCA, added: “We are delighted with the outcome of this operation. We in the DSPCA believe that cooperating with agencies on both sides of the Irish Sea in sharing intelligence, resources and cooperating together will ultimately prevail against those who are involved in this disgusting, greedy trade.”
After they were checked ouver, the puppies were allowed to travel back to Ireland and are now in the care of animal welfare officers back in Dublin.
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/holyhead-port-puppy-smuggling-plot-12184696
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