Police officers in Northern Ireland have rescued 31 dogs, including puppies, following an operation in the Coalisland area of Co Tyrone.
Local officers conducted searches on Thursday at five properties in the area assisted by partner agencies.
The searches were in relation to suspected fraud offences related to the sale of puppies in mid-Ulster.
Image: PSNIAll of the animals were seized by the PSNI.
Two men, aged 43 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
They have subsequently been bailed pending further enquiries.
Inspector Joanne Gibson said: "This joint operation involving our partner agencies has resulted in disrupting this activity and ensuring that further people do not fall victim to buying puppies in these circumstances.
"I would like to thank both the public and our partner agencies for their assistance during the operation."
Image: PSNIShe added: "Buying puppies from illegal breeders can have devastating results.
"Often these puppies die a short time after purchase or end up with infectious diseases such as parvovirus which is expensive to treat and often fatal.
"They can also suffer behavioural issues relating to fear and anxiety due to poor or no socialisation.
Image: PSNI"It can be tempting to buy a puppy in these circumstances and often purchasers recognise things are not quite right.
"It is normal to want to 'rescue' a puppy in these circumstances but people must remember they are fuelling and supporting what is a particularly lucrative criminal industry."
Police say their enquiries are continuing.
