Image: (Scottish SPCA/PA)The animals were seized by Animal Inspectors
The Scottish SPCA have recovered 27-puppies smuggled from Ireland early on Wednesday at Cairnryan in Dumfries and Galloway.
Various breeds were uncovered locked in cages in large wooden crates by police at Cairnryan.
It is estimated they would have been sold for at least €680 each.
Image: (Scottish SPCA/PA)Speaking on the discovery, an undercover inspector said: “Unfortunately, the puppy trade is big business in Scotland with thousands of dogs being brought into the country each year from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in particular from large-scale puppy farms.
“They are then sold on at huge profit by the dealers.”
All of the animals have since been taken back to Ireland, where they are being cared for by the ISPCA. Investigations are ongoing.
