A couple from Barking have been arrested on suspicion of illegally selling puppies as part of a wider animal cruelty operation across the south East.

Police and RSPCA officers raided a home in Grafton Road, Dagenham, on Tuesday, October 21, following allegations of animal cruelty

A man and a woman, both 32, were arrested at the scene for causing unnecessary suffering to animals under Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and for being involved in the illegal trade and sale of puppies.

Both have been bailed until a date in late November pending further enquires.

Following incorrect information from the police, a recent Post article stated that dogs and puppies were also seized from the property.

Although no animals were actually taken from Grafton Road, six puppies were seized at an address in Melford Avenue, Barking, while 82 animals, including 76 dogs, five cats and one horse were seized from a property in Ship Lane, Averley.

Many of the animals were found in poor conditions and required vet treatment and all are currently in the care of the RSPCA.

Sgt Ian Lee, Barking and Dagenham’s wildlife crime officer, said: “The dogs that were rescued from the addresses were found in appalling conditions.

“They were so small they could be placed in the palm of my hand. It was a sad sight to see them so weak and feeble.

“This is just part of extensive investigation that is being carried out by the RSPCA.”

In September, the Post reported how a former Dagenham woman was banned from owning animals for life after a dead dog was found in her garden.

Joanne Terry, 33, who used to live in Third Avenue, received an eight week suspended sentence and fined £380 for animal cruelty.

The animal, killed in a dog fight, was seen being attacked by another pair of canines when Barking and Dagenham council officers visited the home last year.

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Pet theft soaring in Barking and Dagenham