I TWIGGED AND CALLED RSPCA

They sold more than 300 dogs for up to £2,000 each from an illegal pet shop they set up in a rented detached house in Prestwich, Gtr Manchester.

The animals, including bulldogs and pugs, were kept in cramped cages. Many were in extremely poor health.

The crooks are now on the run after not turning up to Manchester crown court for sentencing earlier this month.

Kiseliova is typical of illegal puppy farmers across the country.

Criminal gangs use internet adverts with fake photos of the puppies with their mothers, claiming to be selling responsibly bred animals in family environments.

But one RSPCA investigation found 20 per cent of dogs bought online will die within six months.

For in reality the breeding takes place in squalid conditions which leaves the animals with a host of health problems, including the fatal parvovirus.

An RSPCA undercover officer who we are calling Julia to protect her identity said: “Members of the public are more likely to put their trust in a female selling these animals, especially if they come across well.” Julia uses methods including surveillance and test purchases to track down devious dealers.

She went on: “Generally you would think of women as not bring so heartless as to treat puppies like this, so they are less likely to commit these offences.

“Dealers play on this perception, like Kiseliova who was clearly running the business. She was front of house and very ANITA Jaikaran thought she had the perfect pup for her daughter, pictured, in November 2015.

Anita of Brixton, South London, said: “I emailed a seller, who called herself Molly. She had several ads on Gumtree so I believed she was legitimate.

“When we arrived the house was freezing cold much in charge. They act like butter wouldn’t melt. They are very, very good at what they do.

“Victims I’ve taken statements from are well educated. I’ve had police officers buy puppies from these dealers.”

Some puppies carry dangerous diseases. Julia said: “You can end up with your child being sick. People don’t realise they are and there was a locked room with dogs barking.

“When she brought Marley out he was gnawing at my fingers because he was starving. I realised what was going.”

Anita paid and left then called the RSPCA. Marley was saved by Putney Animal Hospital, but with a £1,500 vet bill. buying a furry ticking time bomb.” Last year, the RSPCA estimated the British trade in puppies as anything between 700,000 and 1.9 million animals each year.

Only 10 per cent of these are from licensed breeders. At least 70,000 are imported illegally into the UK each year from Ireland and the continent.

Long distance travel for puppies as young as six weeks old – 12-14 weeks is the recommended welfare minimum – can in itself be fatal. But dealers don’t care.

Julia continued: “They can pay less than £50 for a puppy, bring it over here and sell that puppy for £195. The buyer will sell the dog to you or me for up to £1,000.

“And worryingly, as far as the dealers are concerned, the younger the better. There is an unhealthy celebrity culture surrounding tiny designer dogs. Buyers don’t want a 14-week-old puppy.”

“Dealers rent houses with furniture to make them look lived in and a woman looking like butter wouldn’t melt answers the door to put you at ease.

“She is paid commission for every