Animal lovers are being warned about the perils of being "dogfished" after six puppies drenched in oil were rescued from the back of a van.
The Dogs Trust said people should be aware of the risks of buying dogs via online adverts. The charity said demand for puppies has spiked during lockdown and it has rescued dozens of smuggled pups worth tens of thousands of pounds that were destined to be sold on to unsuspecting UK buyers.
In the latest pup-smuggling bust, six young dogs were found covered in sticky oil in the back of a van at Dover port. The charity has also saved 12 heavily pregnant mothers, who have given birth to 53 puppies worth around an additional £100,000 to cruel smugglers.
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