Manager Steve Byrne said the falsification of pet passports and import of animals without proper medical health and checks into the UK was an increasing problem.
He said that anyone buying a puppy or other animal from individuals needed to take precautions to ensure they were getting what they were paying for.
'If you're going to the UK for a puppy, make sure that you are buying from a registered or recognised charity or if you are buying a pedigree dog from a breeder, you can check with the local vet or kennel club to make sure they are legitimate and reputable,' he said.
'It's also important to visit where the dog lives to see how it behaves. Ideally you want to see its parents too to see how they behave and if their temperament is going to fit in with your lifestyle.
'Before you buy a house you get an expert to look it over and it's the same with animals. You can get a vet to come and make sure that what you're buying is correct and their are no underlying health issues.'
