Seventy-one dogs and puppies have been rehomed after they were rescued from two properties believed to be involved in illicit puppy sales.
Police found the animals at addresses in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, after they were tipped off by a concerned member of the public.
The dogs were said to have been kept in “extremely bad conditions” and four people have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty.
Two men,aged 37 and 51, and two women aged 31 and 50, have since been bailed pending further investigation, police said.
Greater Manchester Police said officers worked with the RSPCA and the animals have now all been rehomed.
Insp Halligan from the force said: “Following intelligence received from a member of the public, we have been able to seize dogs and puppies – most of which were kept in extremely bad conditions, and alongside RSPCA we have given them new leases of life.”
Police advised anyone with concerns over illegal puppy sales to contact them and for animal welfare issues to be reported to the RSPCA.