Pet smuggling

Scandal of puppies smuggled to Britain for Christmas: Charity warns gangs are keeping animals in 'shocking conditions' as they try to cash in on demand

Eastern European gangs are smuggling thousands of puppies into Britain in ‘shocking conditions’ to cash in on Christmas demand, a dog welfare charity has warned.

The Dogs Trust said nearly 100 pedigree puppies, which can net thousands of pounds each, were seized at the border in one week, adding that the record clampdown was ‘just the tip of the iceberg’.

High demand for trendy breeds such as pugs, dachshunds and chow chows helps fuel the ‘sickening trade’, which can net breeders tens of thousands of pounds.

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