Seven puppies rescued on ferry in illegal importation operation

SEVEN puppies have been rescued after being discovered on a ferry heading to Wales.

The puppies were found at Fishguard Port as part of an operation into illegal animal importation.

The five cocker spaniels and two foxhound-type puppies were found in two crates in the boot of a car that came off the Rosslare to Fishguard ferry. After being delayed for around four hours, the ferry docked at around 1.30am on November 23.

Two of the puppies are believed to be 10 weeks old and the others are thought to be around eight weeks old. The driver of the car was told that the puppies were not able to continue their journey and had to sign them over to the care of the RSPCA. The puppies remained at the port overnight and were fed and watered. A vet attended and confirmed they were fit to travel back to the Republic of Ireland.

RSPCA deputy chief inspector Julie Fadden said: “The puppies have now been safely taken back to the Republic of Ireland and passed over to The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), who have kindly taken them into their care.

“They are really friendly and beautiful puppies so I’m sure they will be found forever homes in no time.

“I would like to thank the kindness and generosity of Stena Line, who went above and beyond to help.”

Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, added: “Our priority was the welfare of the puppies, and in conjunction with other agencies investigations will continue.”