Irish Revenue officers managed to save a helpless dog who was being transported in a vehicle coming through Dublin Port.
According to the DSPCA, who are now in possession of the animal, he was being driven in a van packed inside a plastic container.
Following a routine check on the vehicle, the dog was spotted and removed. He was then handed over to the animal welfare charity who are treating him.
READ MORE: RNLI launch search for 'possible missing person' after boat spotted adrift at Lough Derg
They noted that he was not microchipped, and was very stressed and underweight. He also had no paperwork accompanying him and will remain in the care of professionals for now as a full investigation is carried out.
In a post on Instagram, a DSPCA spokesperson confirmed: “On Wednesday last week we responded to a call from Customs and Excise Officers at Dublin Port.
“They stopped a vehicle in which the occupants failed to notify them that they were transporting a dog. Following an x-ray of the vehicle it showed that there was a dog contained inside.
“A search was carried out by the Officers where they found a large plastic container in the vehicle with a dog inside it.
“The dog, a young male Saluki type cross was removed from the container due to welfare concerns and placed into the care of the DSPCA.
“The dog was transported to the shelter by a DSPCA inspector to be examined by our veterinary team. He was underweight and very stressed.
“He was not microchipped nor did he have any of the relevant vaccinations or paperwork to allow him to travel. This is an ongoing investigation.
“The DSPCA want to thank the continued vigilant work of the Customs and Excise Officers at Dublin Port”.
READ NEXT:
Seven-time Lotto winner's top tips for upping your chances ahead of €65M EuroMillions jackpot
Yamaha recall motorcycles being sold in Ireland due to potential for rider injury
Met Eireann forecast grim bank holiday Monday before welcome change arrives for all
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here