A FATHER-OF-TWO is warning potential pet owners to be on their guard against illegally imported litters of puppies.

Trading standards is conducting an investigation into animals being brought into the UK illegally after a puppy bought by a Barnoldswick family died.

Adam Garth, who lives in Conway Crescent, Barnoldswick, got the British bulldog for his four-year-old-son Tyler, who suffers from Down Syndrome, but said the animal, called Winston, died just days after bringing it home.

The breeder, who is not from East Lancashire, offered Mr Garth another puppy, which also began to suffer from similar kennel cough symptoms. The second puppy, which has also been named Winston, was then diagnosed as being deaf by vets.

Mr Garth, 27, a fork lift truck driver said he was worried other families may have bought puppies from the litter, and is urging them to contact authorities if they have concerns.

Anyone with concerns should contact Trading Standards on 01772 532145.