Six puppies drenched in oil rescued after being smuggled into UK from Romania

Six puppies drenched in oil have been rescued from the back of a van after being illegally imported into the UK from Romania.

The Dogs Trust said demand for puppies has spiked during the coronavirus lockdown and people should be aware of the risks of buying dogs via online adverts.

The charity said it has rescued dozens of smuggled pups worth tens of thousands of pounds which were destined to be sold on to unsuspecting UK buyers.

In the latest pup-smuggling bust, six young dogs were found covered in sticky oil in the back of a van at Dover port.

The puppies had been smuggled in from Romania (PA)

The puppies had been illegally imported from Romania, despite the coronavirus lockdown restrictions in the UK preventing non-essential travel, the charity said.

The three Maltese, two Havanese and one bichon frise pups, aged around 11 weeks old, were found in an appalling condition and suffering from diarrhoea.

The puppies had to be shaved to remove the oil (PA)

All had to be shaved to get rid of the oil and are now in the Dogs Trust’s care and will be rehomed responsibly when they are fit and able.

Paula Boyden, the Dogs Trust’s veterinary director, said: “It is absolutely heartbreaking that we continue to see dogs being illegally imported into the country, often in terrible conditions to make huge profits for cruel puppy smugglers.

The demand for puppies has increased during lockdown, charities say (PA)

“We might be in the midst of a pandemic, but these devious sellers will still use every trick in the book to scam unsuspecting dog lovers.

“Sadly, it’s all too easy to be dogfished and it can be very difficult to know if you are buying a puppy that has been smuggled.”

The puppies will now be responsibly rehomed (PA)

The charity has also saved 12 heavily pregnant mothers, who have given birth to 53 puppies worth around an additional £100,000 to cruel smugglers.

"We would advise you to always see a puppy with and interacting with their mum and go and see it more than once," Ms Boyden said.

The Dogs Trust has warned about the perils of being

"Ask lots of questions, and ask to see vital paperwork, such as a puppy contract. If you have any doubts or it feels too good to be true, as hard as it may be, walk away and report the seller."

The charity is asking the nation to consider whether now really is the right time to be getting a dog and, if it is, to make sure they are sourcing their puppy responsibly without falling victim to illegal puppy smugglers.