Write a commentTwenty seven pups that were seized by police yesterday at Cairnryan as part of Operation Delphin were taken to the USPCA Animal Hospital in Newry to be checked over by the vet.
The USPCA played a key role in the overnight seizure the puppies at Cairnryan port. The animals were detained by Police Scotland and seized by colleagues in the Scottish SPCA.
This action is the latest in the ongoing work of Operation Delphin. Each year many hundreds of vulnerable animals bred in ROI puppy farms are smuggled into the UK market illegally using Northern Ireland ferry routes.
Commenting on the operation Brendan Mullan Chief Executive USPCA said “The USPCA investigates a number of serious animal welfare abuses across Northern Ireland and works closely with our partners involved with Operation Delphin to disrupt and deter the highly lucrative criminal trade in puppies.
"USPCA cooperation and intelligence are key to the many successes of Operation Delphin to date.
"This charity’s role in the disruption of this cruel trade in vulnerable animals is a drain on both its physical and financial resources however, the successful recovery of these 27 pups provides the reassurance needed to continue the fight.”
The animals have now been returned to the republic of Ireland and are currently being cared for by the ISPCA.
