An investigation into fraudulent puppy selling in Hayes resulted in five arrests, four puppies found dead and 50 dogs rescued from further harm.
Hayes Neighbourhood Police teamed up with the RSPCA in a large operation and rescued the dogs after carrying out warrants in four different addresses in the Hayes area, early on Friday (May 27) morning.
The investigation aimed to uncover puppies being fraudulently sold in a very bad state of health.
Five people were arrested for animal cruelty, money laundering and fraud offences and taken to a west London police station, after 30 police officers and 12 RSPCA Inspectors conducted the warrants.
Up to 50 animals, dogs and puppies of a variety of breeds, were recovered from all of the addresses.
Unfortunately, the operation also discovered four dead and decomposing puppies in bin bags at one of the properties.
The operation was the result of a long investigation by the RSPCA, planned and led by PC Rona Johnston and PC Sean Creaby, Townfield dedicated ward officers.
Puppies 'pulled from mothers too early' and lived in 'infected kennels'
Insp Andy Lewis, Neighbourhood Inspector for Hillingdon East, said: “This was a substantial operation between the Hayes Police and the RSPCA and this is the culmination of months of hard work by our colleagues at the RSPCA.
“This was a substantial undertaking by Rona and Sean and all of my team came together to carry out this operation.
“These puppies have been pulled from their mothers far too early and been left to live in infected kennels with little chance of living healthily.
“We were happy to work with and support our colleagues at the RSPCA in brining these people to answer for the cruelty caused.”
All of the animals recovered were in a very bad state of health and were immediately taken by the RSPCA to receive veterinary examinations.
The RSPCA confirmed their involvement in the warrants.
A spokesperson for the animal welfare charity said: “A number of dogs have been removed from the premises by police and we are assisting them in any way we can.
“As the investigation is currently ongoing, we are unable to comment further at this time.”
