Get the biggest stories sent straight to your inbox Sign up for regular updates and breaking news from WalesOnline Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Almost 100 puppies hidden behind bales of wood shavings in lorries on two separate ferries have been rescued at a Welsh port.

The RSPCA-led, multi-agency operation tackling illegal animal importation was launched in Holyhead on Tuesday morning.

The illegal trafficking of puppies is a major issue for the RSPCA, with the charity deeply concerned that large quantities of young puppies are transported into England and Wales, with welfare problems often a major concern.





The incident has been labelled a "shocking example" of the scale of the puppy trade, with the puppies - of various breeds including Beagles, Basset Hounds, Labradoodles and Pomeranians - treated as “cash bonanza” for organised criminal groups.

The two consignments of puppies were intercepted by Border Force on two ferries arriving at the port from Dublin.







On the second vehicle, an attempt had been made to conceal the transported puppies behind bales of wood shavings.

The puppies were travelling in hugely inappropriate conditions, with modes of transport not ventilated, food and water not provided and the animals often kept in filthy conditions. Most were believed to be six or seven weeks old.





After an initial veterinary inspection, the puppies were deemed fit to travel back, and were returned to the Republic of Ireland, where they are now in care.

Two were later identified to have developed canine parvovirus and are under veterinary care, but the other dogs will soon be available for re-homing.





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.





“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, 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."





