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The seizure was part of an ongoing investigation into a pipeline of sick animals being transported from out of state for sale on Long Island, SPCA officials said.
The puppies were found inside a delivery truck by SPCA detectives at the back entrance to the Shake A Paw's Hicksville location.
The organization's Executive Director, Maria Mora, said the puppies seized on Wednesday, Dec. 18, have been fully examined and in conclusion, all puppies tested positive for one or more contagious diseases.
"Some have displayed signs of upper and lower airway infection and others have radiographic evidence of pneumonia," she said.
Given the way that these puppies were housed and transported in open kennels in close contact with each other, the exposure of all puppies in the van to these infectious diseases should be assumed to have occurred.
"It is important that no matter where you get your new pet from, you immediately follow-up with a thorough veterinary examination to ensure your pet's health," Mora said.
The puppies are in intensive care and require substantial medical attention. The SPCA is asking for donation after costs to care for the puppies has already reached over $13,000.
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