A young pup is unwell and on a drip in the DSPCA's headquarters, after being rescued at Dublin Port.
18 pups were found in the boot of a car yesterday, during a routine patrol by Customs Dog Meg, who normally checks vehicles for things like drugs and cash.
The animals involved were being transported in a car with very poor ventilation and had no accompanying paperwork.
A statement from The Department of Agriculture said "The animals involved were being transported in an unapproved vehicle with very poor ventilation and had no accompanying paper work."
Minister Simon Coveney added that "Dogs being moved out of the country for sale or change of ownership must be accompanied by an official health certificate showing that they come from a holding or business registered with the Department and that these holdings are not subject to any movement ban on animal health grounds."
The Minister said "I would like to thank custom officials and my own officials for their efforts in bring about this seizure". He also thanked the DSPCA for their assistance in taking care of the seized animals.
