Four held in raids targeting illegal puppy sales
A woman and three men were arrested after raids in Rochdale and Manchester
- Published
Four people have been arrested in a series of police raids targeting "cruel" organised crime gangs involved in illicit puppy sales.
An XL bully was seized and 14 puppies were rescued as officers executed warrants at five properties in Rochdale and Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the raids followed a RSPCA investigation into puppies becoming sick and dying shortly after being sold to unsuspecting members of the public.
Three men, aged between 23 and 31, and a 43-year-old woman were held on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and fraud by false representation.
GMP said it had uncovered an "illicit underground trade" that promoted animal cruelty and neglect, with sellers and criminal gangs making vast sums of money at the expense of innocent puppies and members of the public.
Sgt Brendan Walsh said: "This is organised crime, and those involved have been making eye-watering profits from this harmful and illicit trade."
He said officers had also seized several mobile phones, documents and bank statements "all consistent with an organised criminal operation involving the fraudulent and unlawful sale and breeding of puppies".
"We’ve had members of the public who have paid substantial amounts for these puppies, paid large veterinary fees, and have been left traumatised by their experiences," he added.
Four people are being held on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and fraud by false representation
An RSPCA spokesperson said: "We'd urge anyone who wants to get a dog to consider adopting. There are thousands of dogs across the country waiting to find their 'forever families'."
The charity also advised anyone thinking about buying a puppy to exercise caution when choosing a breeder, and to walk away and report any concerns to either them, the police, or trading standards.
It also suggested using a Puppy Contract, external "to help them find a happy, healthy dog".
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