Dozens of illegally imported puppies had been seized in Northern Eire as a part of a police operation aimed toward smuggling animals.
A 44-year-old man was arrested following the operation on the Belfast port property, with 57 puppies, three grownup canine and a cat recovered.
Police imagine the animals might have been smuggled into Northern Eire from the Republic of Eire and may have been transported to England or Scotland to be bought.
PSNI Investigative Inspector Conor Sweeney stated: “The person was arrested on fees of quite a few crimes, together with fraud for false illustration and possession of things for fraud.
“Additionally a amount of cash seized.
“Stays in custody, serving to with ongoing investigations.”
Pet breeds discovered embrace golden retriever, cockapoo, miniature terrier, French bulldog, American bulldog, cocker spaniel, dachshund, and roan spaniel.
They had been examined by a veterinarian.
Mr. Sweeney added that though a lot of the latest seizures have been associated to unlawful medicine, they don’t seem to be the one gadgets which are being traded illegally.
“Smuggling is usually carried out by refined cross-border organized crime teams,” he stated.
“Such teams is not going to discriminate in relation to smuggled items, whether or not it’s medicine, cigarettes, folks or, on this case, animals.
“I exploit the phrase commodity as a result of that is how felony gangs see the folks and animals they smuggle – as nothing greater than commodities that they’ll exploit to line their pockets.
“These concerned in pet trafficking do not care in regards to the horrendous influence one of these felony exercise can have on each animals and victims who innocently buy them as household pets.
“If anybody has data on unlawful actions, contact the police at 101”.