Customs and animal welfare officers have seized 56 puppies after they searched a van at Dublin Port. The find follows the seizure of up to 50 puppies in Dublin earlier this week, which gardaí believe were being sent to Britain from puppy farms here.
The latest seizure was made last night when Revenue's customs officers and DSPCA stopped and searched a van at the port .
A 46-year-old man was arrested at the scene shortly after 8pm and taken to Store Street Garda station.
He has since being released and investigations are ongoing, a Garda spokesman said.
The DSPCA has taken the animals into safety.
It is believed that about 50 puppies found in two cars in Coolock on Tuesday evening were being sent to the UK from Irish puppy farms.
The DSPCA said the find was one of the biggest in recent years.
Some of the dogs were suffering treatable conditions such as mange, ear mites, fleas, eye infections and parasitic infections.
Many of the puppies, found on the old Malahide Road in the Coolock area, had had their tails docked, their dew claws removed and are receiving treatment for minor infections.
Several were receiving special care as they were too young to be removed from their mothers.
None of the animals was microchipped, making it impossible to trace their original owners and breeders.
Two men were arrested at the scene and taken to Coolock Garda station. They were later released and are to appear in Dublin District Court on November 1st.