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29 puppies have been rescued as part of a crackdown on illegal trafficking.
The animals were seized at Belfast Port in the early hours of Thursday morning after discrepancies were found in their paperwork.
The puppies – the latest in a remarkable series of attacks at ports in Northern Ireland – will be re-homed.
29 puppies were rescued and will be re-homed
A spokesman for Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said: “At this time of year, demand for Christmas puppies is high, which encourages the trafficking of low-welfare pups through our ports. Inflated prices in Great Britain.
“Innocent animal lovers are often deceived into believing that these puppies come from a reputable breeder.
“Often, the puppies that are trafficked come from illegal breeding establishments known as ‘puppy farms’ where they are raised in appalling conditions.
“We have zero tolerance for this type of activity – reputable breeders will be able to prove origin and destination and have all their paperwork in order.”
The raids are part of Paws for Thought, an initiative where dogs and puppies are welfare-checked and transported before boarding.
read more:
Man arrested and 57 animals seized in animal smuggling operation in Northern Ireland
Dogs under the age of six months will not be allowed to be imported into the UK
The Paws for Thought group said: “We want to reiterate our message that people think long and hard before deciding to get an animal this Christmas.
“Prospective dog owners should check the guidance available online before considering getting a puppy.
“If you must buy a puppy, use only a licensed breeder.
“While enforcement activities conducted by law enforcement agencies are critical to detect and prevent the illegal trade in low-welfare chicks, the public’s help is essential to combating this heinous trade.”
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