Smuggled Puppies Seized: Nine Unvaccinated Dogs Discovered in Moldovan Vehicle, Missing Import Documents by DOLL Authorities

In a surprising turn of events, nine mixed-breed Maltese puppies, estimated to be no more than eight weeks old, were discovered at the Zweidorfer Holz Nord rest area on the A2 highway. The puppies, who were found to be dehydrated, eagerly drank from the water bowls in the quarantine rooms after their arrival.

The driver, who claimed the dogs were for his daughter, could not produce any customs papers or a transport permit for the commercial transport of animals, as required by law. This apparent oversight led to a series of complications.

Upon examination, it was found that none of the dogs had the legally required veterinary certificates for entry into the EU. As a result, the puppies were handed over to the responsible veterinary office of the Peine district for immediate care.

The puppies were also found to have "worm bags," and are currently receiving veterinary treatment. Once the treatments are complete and the puppies are at least 12 weeks old, they will be vaccinated against rabies. The success of the vaccination will be proven by determining the rabies titer.

The driver, who had to pay over 1,700 euros in import duties on the spot, will not get the animals back due to lacking the necessary knowledge and skills for keeping and caring for dogs. The chief veterinarian's final assessment was that the puppies' last supply was likely much earlier than the driver claimed.

In addition to the animal welfare violations, the customs officers initiated a tax evasion procedure against the driver. The responsible parties for further investigations in the suspected tax evasion case at the Main Customs Office Braunschweig are the customs investigation authorities and the public prosecutor's office.

The Peine district has also initiated an administrative offense procedure against the driver for violations of applicable animal disease and animal welfare regulations. Vehicles used for commercial purposes, including animal transport, require a permit with specific requirements such as proper ventilation, the ability to carry water, and transport boxes large enough.

For further inquiries, contact the Main Customs Office Braunschweig: Press Spokesperson Dagmar Taeger at 0531/1291-1016, [email protected], [email protected], or visit www.zoll.de.