Under-aged puppies held

SEVENTY three puppies have been temporarily held by the Guardia Civil Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) in Madrid after arriving from Prague.

During inspections at Adoldo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport’s cargo terminal SEPRONA officers discovered 73 puppies of various breeds that were headed for southern Madrid. Upon examination of their health documents, the officers discovered that they were all less than three months old and therefore did not meet European laws regarding movement of live animals.

The Guardia Civil stated that organised groups of animal-traffickers often take advantage of the fact that buyers are unaware of legal requirements regarding age, vaccinations and documentation for animals. One trick is reportedly to create new animal passports to eliminate original information regarding where animals have come from.

Potential pet-owners are advised to double-check passports and chips to ensure that animals have not been imported illegally before buying them and to report any suspicions they may have to the police.