It was supposed to be a routine check at the border between Germany and the Czech Republic. But on Thursday, when German federal police officers stopped a Bulgarian van near Furth im Wald, they uncovered a tragic 'live cargo' trade.
At first glance, the white van seemed ordinary. Two men, aged 44 and 54, were sitting in the front. But as the officers were checking their IDs, they suddenly heard an alarming noise coming from inside the vehicle!
An illegal animal transport uncovered
It sounded like barking, then scratching. The police officers didn't hesitate. They immediately ordered the driver to open the cargo area.
When the doors opened, the officers were hit by a nauseating smell. They then found themselves face to face with several pairs of eyes filled with sadness!
Crammed into tiny cages were seven dogs. They were frightened, and the exhaustion from their journey was written all over their faces. They were 'live cargo', destined to be sold in the Netherlands. But on that day, their journey came to an end.
A new chapter for the rescued dogs
The men tried to keep up appearances by showing vaccination records to the officers. But the experienced police immediately spotted the deception: the documents were forged. As for proper import papers, there were none.
The federal police immediately alerted the veterinary services in the Cham district. Two official vets arrived at the scene, and their verdict was clear: the animals were not being cared for properly, and the transport was illegal.
The dogs were seized and taken to a rescue centre. Instead of ending up as cargo in the Netherlands, these seven little creatures are finally receiving the care they deserve.
The Bulgarian driver and his accomplice are now under investigation for violating animal welfare laws.
