Four female suspects have been arrested after the police discovered frightened puppies stuffed in a fridge.
The incident took place in Germany where the authorities raided a series of apartments in Cologne and Dusseldorf on suspicion of animal trafficking.
Following the crackdown on the illegal animal trade, dozens of dogs were rescued and four female suspects were arrested.
According to the reports, the police launched the operation after they were tipped off about chipped puppies being sold online.
After raiding three apartments, the authorities came across a series of chihuahuas, French bulldogs, Maltesers, and poodle schnauzers.
In one of the apartments, four puppies were found stuffed inside a non-operating fridge with little to no space left to move around.
After the dogs’ rescue, the pups were reportedly seen by the vets and taken to animal shelters in the area. Meanwhile, the police have arrested four dog trafficking suspects aged from 20 to 61 years.
“The purchase of puppies whose origins cannot be traced and which are offered on the Internet or in markets, parking lots or other places promotes illegal and above all non-animal-friendly trade,” the police in Cologne warned after the successful operation.
“Animal rights activists point out that the young dogs are often tortured by being given up for adoption before they can eat on their own. Please refrain from making such purchases and inquire carefully before purchasing a dog.”
As of this writing, the investigation remains on-going, whereas all four women arrested are being investigated for alleged illegal animal trafficking.
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Replaced!