On the A1 in Upper Austria, customs officials stopped a Bulgarian minivan smuggling six puppies. The five poodle mixes and one Maltese were allegedly brought illegally from Bulgaria to Germany. Apparently they were deprived of water for most of the route. They were released and seized.
There were two Macedonians (24 and 28 years old) driving on the A1 in a minivan with a Bulgarian license plate. However, during the journey through Upper Austria they were stopped and checked by customs officials.
During the search, two puppies were initially found. The passenger (28) initially handed customs officers four pet passports for them. But when the vehicle was searched further, four more young dogs were discovered among furniture.
These had apparently been transported under the most unfavorable conditions. Some animals were in boxes that were much too small, others were crammed together in one box.
When asked about the origins and destination of the puppies, the 28-year-old said he had received the dogs from a friend in Bulgaria and that they would be taken to a buyer in Germany. He claimed he last watered the puppies in Hungary.
Questionable buyer’s version
Customs officials contacted the alleged buyer by telephone. He explained that he ordered and purchased the dogs on an official website. However, he could not provide the name of the website.
The veterinary service of BH Linz-Land was then called in. The five poodle mixes and the Maltese come from the Macedonians. They also had to provide a financial guarantee of 3,000 euros. The rescued dogs have been handed over to animal protection and are now being cared for at the Linz animal shelter.
Source: Krone
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