THE DSPCA HAS said that up to 50 puppies rescued yesterday afternoon will be looking for new homes shortly but not until the Gardaí’s investigation is concluded.
Spokesperson Gillian Bird said the dogs are still evidence in the case so will not be put up for adoption yet.
However, potential owners looking to take in one of the pups can register their details with the DSPCA from today. The agency warned though that they would not be responding to applications until the criminal cases are concluded.
Twenty-five Jack Russells and a number of cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, terriers, beagles and labradors were discovered by Gardaí after they stopped two cars in Coolock yesterday. It is believed the dogs were being trafficked from puppy farms within Ireland to the UK.
The animals are aged between four weeks and 13 weeks.
Bird said that several of the younger pups “should not have been taken from their mothers” and are receiving special care.
The dogs have been moved to secure locations suitable for their size and are being cared for by the DSPCA. Many are being treated for medical conditions, including mange, earmites, fleas, eye infections and parasitic infections.
A number of the pups have had their tails docked and their dew claws removed.
“The incident has brought to light once again the importance of the new Animal Welfare Bill that is currently before the Dáil,” said the DSPCA. “The current legislation is very antiquated and the new Bill, which the DSPCA has been working with the Legislators to bring forward, will make it easier to prevent cruelty and prosecute offenders.”
The organisation has again called for the compulsory micro-chipping of all dogs. None of the seized puppies were chipped which makes tracing their original owners and breeders impossible.
It has also urged the public to be extra vigilant when considering buying a dog.
“Please be careful where you source your puppy,” said CEO Brian Gillen. “With so many online sources of pups these days the public needs to be vigilant. Do not buy from the boot of a car or a van and always arrange to meet the puppy with its parents at the breeder’s home – the conditions the mother is living in is a good indication of the health and welfare of the animals.”
Although these pups are not ready for adoption just yet, the DSCPA says it is “jam packed” with animals at the moment and are in urgent need of foster homes for some of them. If interested, readers can contact them at reception@dspca.ie.
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