TV tonight: BBC NI’s Spotlight programme set to expose tragedies of illegal puppy trade

Tonight’s Spotlight programme will expose some of the people in Northern Ireland who are involved in the illegal multi-million pound puppy trade.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 19th Oct 2021, 17:45 BST
Northern Ireland has been identified as a puppy trafficking hubNorthern Ireland has been identified as a puppy trafficking hub
Northern Ireland has been identified as a puppy trafficking hub

BBC NI have warned it could make for upsetting viewing as journalist Mandy McAuley reveals the findings of a month-long undercover investigation across Ireland and the United Kingdom on the trail of those seeking to profit from the sale of sick and dying puppies.

It comes as the USPCA is set to launch a report detailing the shocking scale and ruthless nature of Northern Ireland’s puppy industry, which has been feeding the demand for pups not only on a local level, but also in Great Britain.

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The animal charity’s report ‘Puppy Dog Fortunes’ is being launched at Stormont tomorrow afternoon.

Tonight’s BBC NI Spotlight investigation revealed how many illegally exported dogs in the UK begin life in barns and sheds in the Republic of Ireland.

Northern Ireland is also identified as a hub for trafficking such dogs into other parts of the UK.

Speaking to Spotlight investigators Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn from the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said: “For the puppy trade in Scotland, I would say 90% of all problems come through Belfast. To me it’s the new drugs.”

Spotlight is on BBC One NI tonight (Tuesday) at 10.35pm.

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