The animals were seized at Belfast Port in the early hours of Thursday after discrepancies were found in their paperwork.

The puppies - the latest in a significant series of seizures at Northern Ireland's ports - will be re-homed.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) said: "At this time of year, the demand for a Christmas puppy is high, which fuels the trafficking of low welfare pups through our ports to sell them at an inflated price in Great Britain.

"Innocent animal lovers are often duped into believing these pups have come from a reputable breeder.

"Quite often, pups that are being trafficked come from illegal breeding establishments known as 'puppy farms' where they are bred in horrendous conditions.

"We have zero tolerance to this type of activity - reputable breeders will be able to prove origin and destination and have all their paperwork in order."

The seizures are part of Paws For Thought, an initiative where dogs and puppies are given welfare and transport checks before they board at ports.

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The Paws For Thought group said: "We wish to reiterate our message that people think long and hard before deciding to get an animal this Christmas.

"Prospective dog owners should check the guidance available online before thinking about getting a pup.

"If you must buy a pup, only use a licensed breeder.

"While the enforcement activities undertaken by statutory agencies is critical in detecting and deterring the illegal trade in low welfare pups, the public's help is essential to combating this abhorrent trade."