MORE than 30 dogs have been rescued after a raid on a suspected puppy farm on an industrial estate.

Sussex Police acted after officers were alerted to a caravan that was parked at an industrial estate in Eastbourne on Monday morning.

Animal welfare officers from the RSPCA were called for assistance shortly after 7.30am.

During the raid, 36 dogs of a mixture of ages and breeds were seized from inside the caravan before being taken to a secure location for treatment.

A man and woman have since been arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

They have both been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Sergeant Tom Carter of the Rural Crime Team said: “The dogs have been checked over by a vet and are now receiving specialist care at a secure location.

“It is very early in our investigation, but we do not believe the dogs to be stolen at this stage.

“Our enquiries are continuing with the support of the RSPCA, and if anyone has any information about the matter, we ask them to get in touch online or by calling 101 quoting serial 248 of 26/07.”

A spokeswoman from the RSPCA said: “Sussex Police attended a caravan parked on an industrial estate in Eastbourne on Monday morning and called the RSPCA for assistance.

“Our officers attended and took 36 dogs and puppies, who were removed by police, into care. We cannot comment any further as enquiries are ongoing.”

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.