The ISPCA is warning against buying animals and puppies illegally this Christmas.

It is strongly encouraging people to think very carefully before purchasing a puppy, and to always visit the property insisting on seeing the parents and where the puppies are kept.

It follows the recent discovery of a puppy farm in Cork, which the ISPCA says were destined for the Christmas market.

An ISPCA Inspector investigated a complaint in north Cork and discovered "a substantial number of dogs" - predominantly Terriers and Labradors types - being bred in what is descried as "squalor and horrendous" conditions.

The premises were not registered under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act.

Four litters of puppies were born on the property in recent weeks - but only three puppies had survived, the ISPCA said.

"They had no chance of survival in the make-shift dirty pens that were filthy, cold, damp and cramped. Twelve dogs were immediately removed and brought to a local veterinary practice for examination; one of them heavily pregnant" it said in a statement.

The dogs are now at the National Animal Centre and are being rehabilitated.