A man has been arrested in a Scots village after more than 20 puppies were abandoned.
The 25-year-old was arrested in Canonbie, Dumfries and Galloway on Monday, with cops also searching an address in the village.
The man, who is from the Brampton area of Cumbria, was arrested on suspicion of three incidents of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals.
Three batches of puppies were abandoned in Cumbria in December.
A Cumbria Police spokesman said: “While, sadly, three of the puppies did not survive, more than 20 have received treatment and been rehomed.”
The force’s dedicated rural crime team, with help from the north tactical support group and dog unit, carried out Monday’s arrest. Officers have also been working with Cumberland Council.
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A spokesman said: “The man was arrested on suspicion of three incidents of causing unnecessary suffering to protected animals.
“The man was released under investigation while enquiries continue.”