The DSPCA has warned that as many as 30,000 puppies are likely to be shipped to the UK this year, ahead of the Christmas period.
The news comes as the DSPCA warn traders and breeders that legislation, paperwork and vaccines are required for each animal travelling to the UK.
The organisation has taken in nine puppies this week, assisting the Wexford SPCA following a seizure at Rosslare Port last week.
Speaking to Newstalk, the DSPCA confirmed:
“These puppies were seized because the owners did not have the correct paperwork or vaccinations to allow them be transported from the Republic of Ireland into the UK.”
“The key requirements are that all puppies and dog much be accompanied by their EU Pet Passport and have been properly vaccinated and microchipped.”
In an attempt to cut down on puppy trading in the lead into Christmas, DSPCA, CEO Brian Gillen warns:
“People seem to still be unaware of the rules surrounding the export and travel regulations for dogs and puppies. Please make sure you are familiar with and obey the rules or the DSPCA and other authorised officers have the right to seize and prosecute owners.
“If you are a person transporting puppies or dogs for sale in the UK or Europe there are even more rules for you including animal welfare regulations and required certificated certificate issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine within 48 hours of scheduled departure time”.
Early last month, three puppy traders in the UK were jailed for importing, mistreating and selling puppies shipped in from Irish puppy farms.
Image: RSPCA
An investigation carried out by the RSPCA and Greater Manchester Police found Peter Jones, Julian King and Grace Banks had been trading in animals – which were caged inhumanely and abused before being sold on.
Each puppy was sold at an average price of £600, while sick or dying puppies were dumped in wheelie bins and the boot of a car.
Following a seizure of dogs being illegally traded to the UK at Rosslare Port, Minister Simon Coveney said:
“The seizure of this consignment should send a clear message to the minority involved in this type of illegal trade that this activity will not be tolerated and that controls are being stepped up with a view to stamping out the illegal trade in dogs and pups”.
