Police in Northern Ireland have seized 57 puppies, three adult dogs and one cat in the Belfast Harbour estate following an ongoing investigation yesterday evening.
A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including fraud by false representation and possession of articles for use in fraud.
A quantity of cash was also seized.
The puppies are an assortment of breeds, including golden retriever, cockapoo, miniature terrier, French bull dog, American bull dog, cocker spaniel, roan spaniel and dachshund.
They are currently being cared for and examined by a vet, and the public is being asked not to enquire about rehoming opportunities at this time.
"We suspect many of the dogs had been illegally imported into Northern Ireland from Republic of Ireland for onward sale within England and Scotland," said Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney.
"Police are absolutely committed to tackling the smuggling of illegal commodities through Northern Ireland's ports. Most recent seizures by the Organised Crime Unit have been in relation to illegal drugs.
"However, as this operation has shown, drugs are not the only items being traded illegally.
"Smuggling is often conducted by sophisticated cross-border organised criminal groups. Such groups will not discriminate when it comes to the commodity being smuggled – should that be drugs, cigarettes, people, or in this case, animals."
Det Inspector Sweeney said those involved in puppy smuggling do not care about the "horrendous impact" it can have both on the animals and on the victims who innocently buy them as family pets.
He urged anyone with information about any illegal activity to contact police.
