The discovery of the dumped bodies of more than a dozen dead puppies has prompted an operation to tackle the puppy trade in south west Hertfordshire.

RSPCA inspectors were "heartbroken" to find the bodies of two more puppies in the same spot in Hogg End Lane, St Albans, less than three weeks later on March 18.

Inspector Rachel Smith said: "They had obviously been recently dumped there as the bodies were still in rigor mortis and one of the puppies was covered in live fleas.

“It was heartbreaking to see them lying there, so thin and covered in sawdust.”

Neither of the dogs were microchipped and there was no clear cause of death.

RSPCA officers have now teamed up with Hertfordshire Police to tackle illegal puppy trade in the county.

Sergeant Karen Mellor, from the Hemel safer neighbourhood team, said: “There are clear links between unlicensed puppy breeding and criminal activity.

“Breeders are believed to be targeting people - often vulnerable individuals - to use their homes to sell puppies, using the property as a meeting place after advertising the dogs online.”

The animal welfare charity was called on February 27 after a member of the public spotted the bodies of nine pups bodies on the verge.

The puppies were thought to be between six and eight-weeks-old and a mix of breeds.

Kate Wright from the RSPCA searched the area and found the decomposed remains of at least three other dogs.

The police have since warned members of the public that breeders may use violence, intimidation or other coercive behaviour to get what they want.

Sgt Mellor added: “Police will take action to protect vulnerable people and investigate any crimes that come to light. We are working together with the RSPCA and Dacorum Borough Council are sharing information in order to build up a picture of what is happening so that we can effectively tackle the issue.”

In previous, unrelated investigations, the RSPCA found dealers were renting out houses to make it appear as though litters had come from a normal home environment.

Chief inspector Ian Briggs, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “Previous cases have demonstrated the lengths some dealers will go to, making it look like the puppies they are selling have been bred in a homely environment.

“Puppy dealers are becoming increasingly savvy to make their dealings look legitimate.

"They rent houses and put a smattering of furniture in them to make it look like a family home, from which they peddle these sick puppies.”

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 at a premises in the area, should call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.