A van containing around 54 puppies that was about to depart for England was intercepted at Dublin Port recently, it has emerged.

As part of Operation C-Port involving Gardaí, Customs and the DSPCA stopped the van last Wednesday at around 8.30am.

During a search of the van, Gardaí discovered the pups (Jack Russells, Pugs, Shih Tzu, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Bichons Frise) in a cage.

The puppies were seized and handed over to the DSPCA as there was no valid documentation produced.

The pups will be quarantined and then placed for adoption.

The DSPCA has estimated the value of the pups seized at around €34,000.