Puppy smuggling has increased over the last decade, and continues to be driven by financial gain with no consideration given to the welfare of the animals. Edwin Poots, NI Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has now launched a campaign to try and combat the practice.
Falling under the umbrella of Paws for Thought, it hopes to disrupt the trafficking of low welfare pups through Northern Ireland’s ports. Members of the public are also being requested to be vigilant when using ferry ports and to contact the appropriate authority if they become aware of the illegal movement of dogs.
A multi-agency group is supporting the campaign. This includes The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA); Belfast City Council; Mid and East Antrim Council; Belfast Harbour Police; Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI); Stena Line; P&O; and HM Revenue and Customs.
Minister Poots spoke at the launch of the venture at the Stena Line Terminal at Belfast Harbour. “Puppy smugglers and traffickers transport puppies in poor conditions to sell them at an inflated price in Great Britain. Innocent animal lovers are often duped into believing these pups have come from a reputable breeder. My department and partner agencies are leading the battle to stamp out this abhorrent trade. But we need the public’s help to crack down on these highly organised crime gangs,” he said.