Police have seized 53 dogs from a property in Nottinghamshire after reports that purchased puppies quickly became seriously ill.
Nottinghamshire Police searched a property in Worksop on Friday as part of an investigation into the alleged illegal sale and breeding of puppies, which was supported by Bassetlaw District Council and the Animal Welfare Investigation Project (AWIP).
Officials said the animals were being seized for welfare reasons. AWIP says that so far, five rescued puppies have had to be euthanized after testing positive for canine parvovirus.
Police said a 33-year-old man from Worksop voluntarily attended a police station on Saturday and was interviewed under caution in connection with the investigation.
Rescued puppy currently in quarantine awaiting foster care [ANIMAL WELFARE INVESTIGATIONS PROJECT]
Police said a dog believed to be XL Bully and several mobile phones were also seized during the raid.
Detective Constable Kerry Eames said: “We will be reviewing the evidence seized during the operation as part of our ongoing investigation into alleged criminal conduct relating to the illegal breeding and sale of puppies.”
AWIP said some buyers reported puppies showing symptoms soon after being brought home, with some facing high veterinary bills and emotional distress.
Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease in dogs that can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and lethargy.
Serena James from the Animal Welfare Investigation Project helped rescue the dogs from the Worksop property [ANIMAL WELFARE INVESTIGATIONS PROJECT]
AWIP’s Serena James said: “We hope this action reassures the public that allegations of this nature are taken seriously.
“We encourage anyone who thinks they may have information relevant to this investigation to come forward.”
Councilor June Evans, of Bassetlaw District Council’s licensing team, said: “We assisted AWIP and Nottinghamshire Police to prevent an unlicensed dog breeder from causing further harm to 53 dogs and profiting from this illegal activity.
“The dogs had been kept in poor conditions and working with AWIP and police, now that the dogs have been rescued from the property we are able to put a stop to this illegal and harmful activity.
“The Dog Breeding License was developed to ensure that the health and welfare of dogs can be monitored and action can be taken in similar situations. It also means people can buy a puppy from a licensed breeder with greater confidence that the dog is well looked after and in good health.
“Investigations into this case will continue in partnership with AWIP and the police.”
The rescued puppy is currently being cared for at AWIP and is in isolation awaiting foster care.
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