France: an international illegal dog trafficking network has been dismantled.
A joint investigation conducted by gendarmes from the Lyon unit of the Central Office for Combating Environmental and Public Health Offences (DOCLAESP) and the National Veterinary and Phytosanitary Investigation Brigade (BNEVP) led to the dismantling of an international illegal dog trafficking network operating between Serbia and France.
In February 2023, these services received information about a possible illegal trade involving Doberman and Rottweiler dogs. According to the findings, the animals were imported from Serbia into the Auvergne–Rhône-Alpes region of France. The investigation was launched under the authority of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Villefranche-sur-Saône.
The investigation established that pregnant female dogs were transported from Serbia to France in order to give birth there, bypassing existing sanitary and veterinary regulations. After birth, the puppies underwent ear cropping and tail docking—procedures prohibited within the European Union. The animals were then sold via online platforms using forged veterinary records and false passports, giving the impression that they originated from EU countries.
Initial investigative steps revealed the involvement of a married couple of breeders based in the Drôme department. They regularly travelled to Serbia and maintained contacts with individuals involved in the transportation of dogs. Breeding activities resulted in numerous litters raised in conditions that did not meet animal welfare requirements.
Further investigation showed that this couple was connected to another breeder operating in the Rhône department, who used dogs of Serbian origin and applied similar practices. Investigators were able to establish that the illegal activities extended across several departments.
On 18 December 2025, a judicial investigation was formally opened under the authority of an investigating judge at the Villefranche-sur-Saône Judicial Court.
On 27 January 2026, a judicial operation led to the arrest of three main suspects. Searches carried out at two breeding facilities resulted in the seizure of 18 adult dogs and 19 puppies, as well as forged animal passports from various Eastern European countries. Medications and tools used for ear cropping and tail docking were also discovered.
On 29 January 2026, the suspects were brought before the investigating judge, charged, and placed under judicial supervision. Measures included a ban on leaving France and a prohibition on engaging in any professional or voluntary activity involving the care, transport, keeping, or breeding of animals.