More than 70 dogs rescued from suspected illegal puppy breeding in Bury
Two men and two women were arrested after police searched homes in Radcliffe
More than 70 dogs and puppies have been rescued from two properties in Bury after officers uncovered what they believe was an illegal breeding and sales operation.
Greater Manchester Police and the RSPCA removed 71 animals from addresses in the Radcliffe area following a tip-off from a member of the public.
The dogs were found in what police described as “extremely bad conditions” and have since been rehomed or are receiving care.
Arrests made and investigation ongoing
Two men, aged 51 and 37, and two women, aged 50 and 31, were arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and have been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Inspector Halligan from GMP’s Bury district said: “Following intelligence received from a member of the public, we have been able to seize dogs and puppies – most of which were kept in extremely bad conditions, and alongside RSPCA we have given them new leases of life.
“Two properties have been searched, and alongside rescuing the dogs, we have recovered equipment consistent with the fraudulent and unlawful sale and breeding of puppies.”
How to report concerns
Police are urging anyone who suspects illegal puppy sales to report it either online or by calling 101.
Animal welfare concerns can also be reported directly to the RSPCA.