Northern Ireland

31 dogs rescued and two men arrested in Mid Ulster illegal breeding investigation

 Some of the dogs and puppies rescued in Mid Ulster. Picture from PSNI
 Some of the dogs and puppies rescued in Mid Ulster. Picture from PSNI  Some of the dogs and puppies rescued in Mid Ulster. Picture from PSNI

Police in Mid Ulster have rescued 31 dogs, including puppies, and arrested two men in connection with suspected fraud offences relating to the sale of puppies.

The dogs were rescued after five properties were searched in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, yesterday. 

PSNI Inspector Joanne Gibson said two men, aged 43 and 42, "were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation".  

"Both men have subsequently been bailed pending further enquiries," she added.

Inspector Gibson warned that buying pups from illegal breeders "can have devastating results" and appealed for anyone who bought a puppy from Mid Ulster in the past six months to get in touch with police.

"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. 

"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. 

“Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who may have purchased a puppy from the Mid Ulster area over the last six months, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 915 05/12/19. If any of these animals have tragically passed away, we would ask owners to contact police to assist with our ongoing investigation."

She urged the public to be alert to suspicious activity involving the sale of puppies.

"If you believe you have knowledge of an illegal breeding establishment in operation then please contact your local council dog warden – for Mid Ulster District Council please ring 03000 132 132 and to report a welfare concern please contact 028 8225 6226 to speak to an animal welfare officer.”

This Cocker Spaniel was among the 31 dogs rescued by police in Mid Ulster
This Cocker Spaniel was among the 31 dogs rescued by police in Mid Ulster This Cocker Spaniel was among the 31 dogs rescued by police in Mid Ulster