Man sentenced for illegal sale of sick puppies using forged passports

A 29-year-old man from Best, identified as Berkan D., has been sentenced for the illegal trade of sick Pomeranian puppies. The court imposed a 240-hour community service sentence, a five-year ban on keeping animals, and a suspended prison sentence of 176 days. He was also ordered to pay compensation to buyers.

According to court findings, the defendant transported the puppies from a breeder in Bulgaria to the Netherlands and Belgium via approximately 30 car trips. He advertised the dogs on Marktplaats, falsely claiming they were healthy and vaccinated. To support these claims, he provided forged pet passports.

The illegal operation resulted in significant animal suffering, with several puppies dying shortly after purchase. Fourteen buyers filed complaints after discovering the animals were ill and facing high veterinary costs. The investigation was initiated after the animal rights organization House of Animals conducted an undercover purchase in 2022, leading to his arrest.