POLICE have rescued 31 dogs, including puppies, following a proactive operation in Co Tyrone.
Officers carried out searches at five properties in the Coalisland area on Thursday.
The searches were part of an investigation into suspected fraud offences related to the sale of puppies in Mid Ulster.
All the animals were seized by the PSNI.
Two men aged 43 and 42 were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation. Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.
Inspector Joanne Gibson said buying puppies from illegal breeders could have devastating results.
"Often these puppies die a short time after purchase or end up with infectious diseases such as parvovirus which is expensive to treat and often fatal. They can also suffer behavioural issues relating to fear and anxiety due to poor or no socialisation," she said.
"It can be tempting to buy a puppy in these circumstances and often purchasers recognise things are not quite right. It is normal to want to `rescue' a puppy in these circumstances but people must remember they are fuelling and supporting what is a particularly lucrative criminal industry.
"We would appeal to anyone who may have purchased a puppy from the Mid Ulster area over the last six months, to contact police. If any of these animals have tragically passed away, we would ask owners to contact police to assist with our ongoing investigation."
