A DOG welfare charity has warned of illegal breeders flooding the streets with puppies to meet Christmas demand.

Nearly 100 were seized at the border in one week according to the Dogs Trust due to the high demand for breeds including pugs, dachshunds and French bulldogs.

Now, European Member of Parliament for Hampshire and the south east, Keith Taylor, has condemned the trade as ‘gruesome and reprehensible.’

In 2016, more than 275,000 dogs travelled to Great Britain, which was more than treble the recorded number five years earlier.

MEP Keith Taylor said: “Puppy smuggling and the illegal puppy trade is big business with dealers getting rich while leaving a trail of dead puppies and heartbroken families.

“The trade is gruesome and reprehensible.

“With more than 100,000 dogs in rescue centres across the UK looking for a home, it is hugely upsetting to see the demand for puppies fuelling such a barbaric, criminal enterprise.

“I would urge anybody who is planning to buy a puppy to strictly adhere to the checklist outlined by the Dogs Trust before making a purchase and remember that a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.”

According to a survey, just under half of prospective buyers said they would be concerned if a puppy they purchased was imported illegally.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden, said: “We continue to be astounded at the lengths these deceptive breeders and dealers will go to in order to illegally import puppies to make huge profits with complete disregard for their wellbeing.

“The cases we are seeing on a weekly basis are horrific and need to stop.

“Buying an illegally imported puppy could potentially cost families thousands of pounds and heartache for the family if the puppy falls ill, or worse, dies.”

The maximum sentence for illegal puppy importers is three months.

Dogs Trust said: “We urge the government to improve this failing legislation.

“This includes increasing penalties for those illegally importing puppies and a significant overhaul of the pet-checking system at ports.”