100 dogs rescued in 'puppy farm' raid

Animal welfare officers believe they may have broken up a puppy farm in the North during a joint operation with the police.

The discovery of 100 dogs was made in farm buildings in the Katesbridge area in Co Down.

The puppies – a range of breeds from boxers to Jack Russells – were removed during a six-hour operation by the PSNI and the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

An Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) spokesman said: “We believe that this significant operation has helped break up a puppy farm. Both the police and ourselves are trying to establish who owns the dogs.

“The puppies have been taken to various locations and are currently being examined by vets.”

The operation began last night after dogs were seen feeding from the carcass of a cow.

The USPCA spokesman said the puppies were not emaciated but were living in appalling conditions.

During the operation, which lasted until 4am, power supplies to the farm buildings were cut. Around five USPCA officers and five police were involved in the operation.

SDLP MP Eddie McGrady and Democratic Unionist Assembly member Jim Wells today called on the British government to introduce more effective animal welfare laws following the find.

Mr McGrady, the MP for South Down, tabled an early day motion in the House of Commons in October calling for the mistreatment of animals to be made a criminal offence.

He said today: “Society is rightly shocked to hear of animal neglect and mistreatment, as it reveals to us the very worst in human characteristics, which are failing to protect those who depend on us, the vulnerable and frail.

“I will continue with the campaign to see effective legislation introduced to deal with this crime.”

Mr Wells, an Assembly member for South Down, said animal welfare laws were weak and outdated.

The Democratic Unionist MLA said: “I have three areas of concern - puppy-farming, dog-fighting and the keeping of guard dogs in very cramped conditions.

“The law urgently needs to be strengthened if the police and USPCA are to do something about it.”