Nine dogs rescued from puppy farm following month

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The DSPCA has closed a Dublin-based puppy farmer, and rescued this adorable dog. Credit: DSPCA An animal welfare group has rescued nine dogs from a Dublin-based puppy farm and it has issued a warning about the online puppy trade.

Dublin's Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals closed down the premises of a Dublin-based puppy farmer operating from a house in Dublin 15 today.

The closure follows a month-long investigation by the DSPCA, it said in a statement.

The dogs - which included a Rotweiller, Doberman, German Shepherd and St Bernards - were all originally purchased on line for breeding purposes.

The DSPCA said there is some evidence of the dogs being underweight due to lack of food, but they are 'generally in good condition'.

According to the DSPCA, an over supply of large dogs for sale online led the puppy farmer to initially surrender two of his St. Bernard dogs to the DSPCA. This led eventually to the closure of the puppy breeding farm.

Brian Gillen, CEO, the DSPCA said that despite its pleas to the public not to buy animals over the internet, online purchasing is 'rampant'.

'Puppy farmers and traders now take multiple advertisements offering a small number of puppies for sale therefore people think they are buying from a single owner with a litter, rather than a trader.'

' As long as people purchase online, these illicit breeders will continue to sell on line.'

'Puppy Farmers simply circumvent measures and protocols taken by websites including the more reputable sites.'

Puppies are bred on these illegal farms 'in the most appalling conditions' and they are often inbred and susceptible to disease that only become apparent after they've been bought, Mr Gillen said.

'The message is simple: do not buy online.'

' Illicit puppy traders are offering 'Ready for Christmas' puppies on popular internet sites trade frequently with only a mobile number, no email and no address.'

'People are then generally asked to meet in a car park. If this happens then it is almost certain you are dealing with a puppy farmer.'

The DSPCA has many dogs available for adoption, from thoroughbred pedigrees to lovable crossbreeds. Anyone wishing to adopt an animal can contact the DSPCA. See www.dspca.ie.