Fourteen puppies discovered in the boot of a car at Promenade Road at Dublin Port this afternoon have been rescued by gardaí.

The puppies, of various breeds, were found in two small metal containers in the boot of the vehicle, which was being driven by a man in his early 20s.

They did not have access to water or fresh air.

Valid documents were not presented, and the dogs were seized on suspicion of animal cruelty.

The dogs are believed to have been en route to the UK for sale, where they may have fetched over €17,000.

The puppies were taken to Store Street Garda Station before being transferred to the care of the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

They are said to be in a healthy condition, but will be monitored for several days before being advertised for adoption.

A summons is to be issued in relation to the seizure.

These puppies are very young and under the supervision of our veterinary team. Thank you to store street and customs pic.twitter.com/bbML3SP1rG — DSPCA (@DublinSPCA) August 3, 2016