Male arrested and 57 animals seized in animal smuggling procedure in Northern Ireland

Dozens of illegally imported puppies have been seized in Northern Ireland as component of a law enforcement operation targeting animal smuggling.

A 44-12 months-aged guy has been arrested pursuing the operation at Belfast harbour estate, with 57 puppies, 3 grownup dogs and a cat recovered.

Police believe that the animals may possibly have been smuggled into Northern Eire from the Republic of Ireland and were planned to be moved to England or Scotland to be marketed.

PSNI Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney said: “The male was arrested on suspicion of a quantity of offences such as fraud by fake representation and possession of posts for use in fraud.

“A amount of funds was also seized.

“He continues to be in custody, supporting with ongoing enquiries.”

The breeds of puppies discovered consist of golden retriever, cockapoo, miniature terrier, French bulldog, American bulldog, cocker spaniel, dachshunds and roan spaniel.

They are currently being examined by a vet.

Mr Sweeney included that, while most of the current seizures have been associated to unlawful medications, they are not the only objects remaining traded illegally.

“Smuggling is often done by sophisticated cross-border organised felony teams,” he mentioned.

“This kind of teams will not discriminate when it comes to the commodity staying smuggled – ought to that be medications, cigarettes, folks, or in this scenario, animals.

“I use the word commodity as this is how crime gangs watch the persons and animals they smuggle – as very little but commodities which they can exploit to line their individual pockets.

“Those people associated in puppy dog smuggling do not treatment about the horrendous effect this sort of legal action can have both of those on the animals and on the victims who innocently acquire them as household animals.

“If anyone has facts about any unlawful activity, please get hold of law enforcement on 101.”