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Seven pups smuggled to Wales from Ireland have been rescued, it emerged today.
The dogs were found in the early hours of last Thursday morning as part of a multi-agency operation tackling the illegal trade in puppies.
The two foxhound type and five cocker spaniel type dogs were found in two crates in the boot of a car that came off the Rosslare to Fishguard ferry at around 1.30am, which had been delayed by four hours.
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The two foxhounds are believed to be 10 weeks old and the cocker spaniel about eight weeks old.
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The driver of the vehicle was told that the puppies were not able to continue their journey and subsequently signed over the puppies to the care of the RSPCA.
The seven puppies remained at the port overnight and were fed and watered by the RSPCA. A vet requested by the Animal Health and Welfare officers from Pembrokeshire County Council attended and confirmed they were fit to travel back to the Republic of the Ireland.
ISPCA Centre Manager, Eva Ellis said: "The seven puppies were assessed on Friday morning by a veterinary practitioner at the ISPCA National Animal Centre in Longford.
“Nearly all of them are infested with lice and have a heavy worm burden. They were also filthy and needed to be bathed and treated for worms, fleas, mites and lice.”