SAN YSIDRO, Calif., Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Puppy smugglers are flooding California with animals from Mexico, many of which die or pose health hazards, a coalition of animal welfare groups says.
The Border Puppy Task Force said it found 517 puppies -- many concealed in vehicles -- in a two-week survey of the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, Calif., ports of entry from Mexico, The Los Angeles Times reported.
The puppies are mainly toy breeds usually sold through swap meets or classified advertising to bargain-seeking buyers.
However, many die within a week after being brought in from Tijuana and other locations in Mexico, the task force said.
"It's really hard on people," Lt. Daniel DeSousa of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services told the newspaper. "We get calls from people saying, 'I spent $2,000, and the puppy died in my kids' arms.'"
Many puppies are unvaccinated and suffer from parvovirus, distemper and scabies.
Animal welfare groups recommended against buying puppies at swap meets.
