Gardaí have seized a variety of animals, including 38 dogs, which were being kept in inhumane conditions following searches in Dublin this morning.
The searches of two adjoining apartments in Citywest were carried out alongside the DSPCA and the Dog Warden from South Dublin County Council.
The seizure was part of a larger garda investigation.
In addition to the 38 dogs and puppies, a number of cats, parrots, tarantulas, a snake, a scorpion and a millipede were also seized.
The dogs included dachshunds and a mixture of bulldog breeds.
The animals were removed from the apartments and taken by the DSPCA for treatment.
It's understood some of the animals, including one dog, were dead when found.
It is believed that the majority of the animals were being bred for sale, and the premises was not suitable or registered as a dog breeding establishment, making it an illegal puppy farm.
As the animals are all part of an ongoing investigation, the DSPCA said they are not seeking homes for them at present.
Gardaí say no arrests have been made, and that the investigation is ongoing.
Additional reporting by Sharon Lynch
