Seized from Hungarian transporters
A group of illegally imported designer puppies intended for online Christmas sales will be under the care of Dogs Trust over the Christmas period.
The charity say that the puppies were seized from Hungarian transporters who attempted to smuggle the puppies into Dover with false passports and underage, rendering any vaccinations ineffective.
The puppies include a mix of French bulldogs, English bulldogs, pugs and chow chows. By transporting the puppies underage they appear 'cuter' to potential buyers, but the puppies may have suffered terribly to fulfil the Christmas trade. Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust veterinary director, explains:
“Dogs Trust has pledged to cover the cost and care of taking the seized puppies through quarantine, a charity first in the ongoing fight against puppy smuggling. Had we not stepped in, these puppies would have been bought by unsuspecting buyers and they would have undoubtedly been lumped with the hefty quarantine bill and emotional stress. The puppies have all required veterinary treatment, largely due to the fact they were taken from their mothers too young.
"The reality is that buying puppies online at any time of the year is risky, but we know that buyers are likely to be stung over Christmas, when the demand for puppies ramps up."
Until Dogs Trust stepped in, the seized puppies were at risk of being put to sleep or turned away at the borders - meaning another long journey without water or food. The Charity are now are now calling on the Government to lead a joine- up approach with animal charities to ensure that the scandal does not continue.
By law the French Bulldogs, English bulldogs, chow chows and pugs will have to spend Christmas in quarantine. Dogs Trust will continue to support the quarantine costs and care of smuggled puppies into 2016.
Image (C) Dogs Trust/Clive Tagg
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