Reports of illegal puppy farming have risen almost five-fold in England in the past decade as celebrity dogs on social media have driven up demand for pets.

The RSCPA received 4,357 calls alerting it to potential cases in England in 2018, up from 890 in 2008.

Illegal breeders can make millions of pounds rearing pups in dirty conditions, without food or water, the charity said.

Some have sold sick or dying puppies to unsuspecting buyers for hundreds of pounds each.

Criminals have capitalised on the popularity of breeds such as French bulldogs and dachsunds, the BBC said.