Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Fifty 'designer' puppies seized by police at Dublin port en route to England

The puppies are thought to have spent four to five hours in transit

Matt Payton
Monday 19 September 2016 00:48 BST
Comments
The so-called 'designer dogs' were found in the back of a van by Gardi officers
The so-called 'designer dogs' were found in the back of a van by Gardi officers (DSPCA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Fifty puppies have been seized in by Gardai (Irish police) at Dublin port en route to England.

The 'designer' dogs including Beagles, Bichon Frise and Cocker Spaniels are said to be in good condition and up for adoption.

The Dublin Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) are currently caring for the puppies.

The DSPCA has said the seizure is the latest of a string of attempted puppy smuggling in 2016.

In the last two months, 150 puppies have been seized by Gardai and animal protection officers, Herald.ie reports.

Gillian Bird of the DSPCA said: "This is the seventh seizure in the last two months. That brings the total number of puppies found in that time to 150.

"On the market here, they would probably be around €200 or €250, but if you sell them in the UK, you could get €800 for them.

"We're looking at everything - reputable breeders, backyard breeders and puppy farms."

RSPCA: Rogue puppy dealers selling traumatised puppies

The puppies are thought to have spent four to five hours in transit and other than dehydration were found to be well.

Ms Bird added: "These animals were actually ok, but some of them were very wary.

"Two of them were quite dehydrated and we have them on a drip now."

In August, Gardai found 14 puppies in the boot of a car at the port.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in