Two people were arrested on Tuesday morning for illegal puppy trade in Veldhoven. It concerns suspects aged 28 and 30 from that place. The puppies were sold via Marktplaats and in many cases were sick, separated from their mother too early or of a different breed than indicated.
The police tracked down the suspects after several reports. They arrived between October 2021 and January 2023. After investigation, it turned out that victims had bought a puppy from a house in Veldhoven. The pets were offered for sale via Marktplaats.
In the advertisements, the sellers wrote that the puppies had a valid pet passport, chip, vaccinations and had been dewormed. But after people bought the puppies, that turned out to be wrong. In many cases the animals were sick. Some puppies were separated from their mothers earlier than allowed by law. The suspects also often passed on the wrong varieties.
Often sick
During searches of houses, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and animal protection checked the health of the animals present. Four locations turned out not to be in order. The owners are now obliged to take better care of their animals and to improve the locations. Animal protection, together with the animal police, monitors whether this actually happens.
In two houses, the police found prohibited weapons, such as brass knuckles, blackjack, pepper spray and a stun gun. There was also a stolen scooter. Everything has been confiscated.
Two suspects wanted
According to the police, there is no breeding, but illegal puppy trade. The two arrested suspects are in custody and are being questioned. Police are still looking for two others