by Graham Tutthill

Three tigers and more than 40 puppies were among the animals found being transported through Dover docks in March.

After a fully-grown tiger was found being exported to France, officers noticed a discrepancy in the paperwork including the numbers, as there were actually three tigers.

Following discussions involving the exporter, animal health and the ferry company the paperwork issue was resolved and the animals were exported.

Three goods vehicles were stopped on separate occasions and found to contain very young puppies being imported for re-sale.

One lorry had three puppies in it, valued at £1,000 each, but there was an omission in the particulars of the pet passport and the driver was reported for summons.

A second involved a vehicle with a further 20 puppies inside. While the paperwork appeared to be in order it did not cover the commercial aspects of such an importation, and police are making further enquiries.

The last incident involved another vehicle containing 19 puppies. The paperwork was not correct, the animals were in poor health and were being carried in such a way as to contravene animal cruelty laws.

The animals were seized by police and are being cared for by the RSPCA. The driver is to appear in court facing a number of offences.

In addition another three people have been reported for summons for trying to bring their pets into the country without the correct documentation.

"Following some excellent work by a member of the police civilian staff, a fourth person was prevented from importing a dog into the UK," said chief officer Steve Masters.

"It was a breed which is deemed so dangerous that it is totally banned in the UK."