The DPSCA seized six tiny puppies that arrived in a van at Dublin Port last night.
Officers assisted by Revenue's Customs officers discovered the defenceless cocker spaniel pups had been hidden among furniture in the back of a van.
The animals were taken after it emerged that they didn't have either the necessary documents or vaccinations.
The DPSCA said that the animals were only seven weeks old and should still be with their mother, adding that they were in their care.
They said: "The puppies are in good health but at just seven weeks of age should still be with their mother/mothers.
"The puppies are in the care of the DSPCA but are part of an ongoing investigation and will not be available for rehoming at this time."
The DSPCA are appealing to the public to help with any information of the location of illegal breeders, particularly any information about these particular puppies and where they may have come from. Please contact DSPCA Inspectors at inspectors@dspca.ie .
DSPCA are founding members of Operation Delphin, Operation Delphin, a joint operation targeting the illegal export of puppies from Ireland
The association works together with the Revenue Commissioners of Ireland, HMRC and the major SPCAs in the UK and Ireland, aiming to bring an end to the illegal puppy trade.
