100 smuggled puppies seized in just one week

A record number of illegally smuggled puppies have been seized as unscrupulous breeders try to meet the Christmas demand.

Nearly 100 were seized at the UK border in one week, the Dogs Trust said, labelling the record clampdown “just the tip of the iceberg”.

High demand for trendy breeds like pugs, dachshunds and French bulldogs helps fuel the “sickening trade”, which can net unscrupulous farmers tens of thousands of pounds.

Puppies suffering from behavioural and health problems are among thousands trafficked in “shocking conditions”, many from central and eastern Europe, the charity said.