Between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2018, the Swedish Board of Agriculture made 4259 decisions about dogs smuggled into Sweden. Of these, 594 are deceased, which means that a smuggling dog was killed during the week during this period.

At the same time, figures from the Customs Agency show how the smuggling of dogs is increasing. In 2018, 145 interventions were made involving 190 dogs. This is the highest figure since 2012 when the rules regarding the control of the dwarf bandworm and rabies were eased (in 2016 194 dogs were detected but in far fewer interventions than 2018).

According to Gunnel Hellman, longtime employee at the Customs Administration, smuggling is undoubtedly increasing.

- There is so much money in it, she says, adding that the darkness is "very large".

Why is it difficult to detect dog smuggling?

- It's not difficult, it's just that we don't have the resources. A lot is needed to investigate these dogs.

"It's really serious"

But there is also another reason why the Customs Administration does not prioritize animals. Compared to, for example, drugs or weapons, stuffed smuggling puppies do not benefit society.

- Dogs are the last thing we take care of, says Gunnel Hellman.

How serious is the situation?

- Very seriously. First, you get infections, and it's not just about rabies but many other diseases. This is also something that you can suffer in town. It's just a matter of when something gets infected, not when. Then it is horrible to treat animals this way.

In particular, Gunnel Hellman at the Customs Service recalls a case when an elderly lady had bought a companion dog. When her granddaughter came to visit to pet the little puppy, it closed. "It became a big investigation to find out if the child had rabies and it takes time to get answers to these samples," she says. The picture shows a dog that a Hungarian animal rights organization has taken care of from breeders. Photo: Private.

"Does not have resources"

Today, Gunnel Hellman has changed tasks, this is because resources are not enough.

Are you frustrated that nothing is happening?

- Yes, it is terribly frustrating when you see how common it is and getting the message resources are not enough.

"It's also about all these people who are affected by the belief that they bought a Swedish dog ... when these dogs then get sick, there are no insurance. It will be both financial and emotional suffering, ”says Gunnel Hellman at the Customs Administration. Photo: Private

Håkan Hansson, Deputy Head of the Border Protection Unit at the Customs Administration Malmö, gives Gunnel Hellman partial right.

- It is true that it does not lead to any social benefit. We have certain priorities that come via regulatory letters and that is obviously drugs, weapons and large-scale smuggling of alcohol, he says.

"Report it obviously"

Dogs are, like many other goods, subject to registration, says Håkan Hansson.

- It is clear that we are working to stop it too. We are looking for everything that is regulated, which is why I think it is a little scary to say that we prioritize dog smuggling.

He adds:

- We have no activities aimed at dogs out at the checkpoints, but if we detect five puppies we will report it obviously and then it is up to a preliminary investigator to put resources on it.

The entire first part of the document from inside Loved smuggling dog can be seen on SVT Play. The second part will be published on November 12.