Lurchers, beagles and a border terrier have been seized by gardai in Tipperary.
The eight dogs, believed to be worth in the region of €5,000, were found in a van that was pulled over for speeding on the M8 outside of Thurles.
A garda spokesman said: “Shortly before 8pm Gardaí from the Thurles Roads Policing Unit were carrying out a speed check on the M8 motorway at Ashill, Thurles when they saw a van exceeding the speed limit.
“The van was stopped and whilst speaking with driver Gardaí heard dogs barking in the rear of the van.
“Gardaí searched the van and found eight dogs that are believed to be worth in the region of €5,000.
“The driver and passenger could give no explanation as to ownership of the dogs, which were also not microchipped.
“The dogs were seized by Gardaí and are currently in a local animal shelter.
“The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made.”
