(WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE) The RSPCA will be working with Dacorum Borough Council and Herts Constabulary to tackle the illegal puppy trade and educate people in Hertfordshire.
This is after the bodies of more than a dozen puppies were discovered dumped in Hogg End Lane, St Albans, last month.
This incident has been linked with the increased reports of crimes connected to the illegal puppy trade.
A Herts Constabulary spokesman said: "There are clear links between unlicensed puppy breeding and crime.
"Breeders are believed to be targeting people - often vulnerable individuals - in Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding area to use their homes to sell puppies, using the property as a meeting place after advertising the dogs online."
The police have warned members of the public that breeders may use violence, intimidation or other coercive behaviour to get what they want.
The bodies of puppies, thought to be between six and eight-weeks-old, were found on Hogg Lane, St Albans
Ross Hill, Licensing Team Leader at Dacorum Borough Council, said: "There are currently no licensed commercial dog breeders within Dacorum, so unless you can be sure that you are buying the offspring of a loved and cared-for family pet we would strongly suggest that you walk away from any potential purchase of a puppy, and alert the police.
"Wherever possible, buy puppies from people you know personally, or who have been recommended to you by friends or family, or from a fully-licensed dog breeder."
Anyone who believes they may have purchased a puppy from an unlicensed puppy breeder or dealer, or has concerns about the welfare of dogs and/or puppies should call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999, or call the police on 101.
You can also report the mistreating of animals, as well as stray, lost or missing dogs, to Dacorum’s Dog Warden on 01442 228418 or dogwarden@dacorum.gov.uk.
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