Over 60 animals including puppies and a cat rescued from Belfast harbour by PSNI
Police on Tuesday night rescued 57 puppies, three adult dogs and a cat after an operation at the Belfast docks.
According to hey, a 44-year-old man was arrested and a quantity of cash was confiscated.
The puppies recovered by officers included a variety of breeds, including golden retrievers, cockapoos, dachshunds and cocker spaniels.
The PSNI said the animals were being examined by a veterinarian.
Police said their inquiries suggested the animals were imported from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland for resale within England and Scotland.
PSNI Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney said: “The man was arrested on suspicion of a range of offenses including fraud by misrepresentation and possession of items for use in fraud.
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Some of the dogs were recovered by the PSNI
“A lot of cash was also confiscated. He remains in custody and helps with ongoing investigations.
“Police are determined to fight the smuggling of illegal goods through Northern Ireland ports.
“The recent seizures by the organized crime unit relate to illegal drugs. However, as this operation has shown, drugs are not the only items trafficked illegally.
“Smuggling is often carried out by sophisticated cross-border organized crime groups. Such groups will not discriminate against the goods being smuggled – be it drugs, cigarettes, people or in this case animals.
“I use the word ‘commodity’ because that’s how crime gangs see the people and animals they smuggle – as mere commodities to line their own pockets.
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One of the puppies confiscated by PSNI
“Those involved in puppy smuggling do not care about the horrific impact this type of criminal activity can have on both the animals and the victims who innocently buy them as family pets.
“If anyone has information about illegal activity, please call the police on 101. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form.”
https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/over-60-animals-including-puppies-and-a-cat-rescued-from-belfast-harbour-by-psni-41888059.html Over 60 animals including puppies and a cat rescued from Belfast harbour by PSNI