Rabies risk warning over imported puppies

Puppies being imported into the country to meet the demand for Christmas presents could be carrying rabies, warn trading standards.

They are urging people not to buy a dog for Christmas due to fears that unscrupulous sellers are importing dogs from abroad into the UK without the required vaccinations.

Puppies can enter the UK 21 days after a valid rabies vaccination and must be at least 15 weeks old at the time of entry for the vaccination to be effective.

But the majority of those brought to the attention of the authorities had either been imported too young to have had an effective rabies vaccination, or have falsified passports stating the puppy is older than it actually is.

Cllr Tom Sanderson (Ind, Huntingdon West), chair of the county council’s communities, social mobility and inclusion committee, said: “Christmas is usually a popular time of year for people to buy pets, particularly dogs, and this is why we are urging people to think carefully about who they are buying from this Christmas. With the cost of pets rising significantly during the pandemic, we know it can be enticing to look abroad for one that costs less.

“However, this can be a risky decision as we know that some animals are being imported illegally which not only increases the risk of spreading disease to the UK, but also raises serious welfare concerns for the animals, and in many instances results in additional (quarantine) costs for the unsuspecting purchaser.

“If something doesn’t feel right, walk away.”

Vaccinations received at an early age are not effective and allow the potential spread of diseases such as rabies. They are also not valid, meaning the puppy has entered the country illegally and must be quarantined. Once the authorities are notified, illegally imported puppies are placed in to quarantine for several weeks, away from its new family, with fees in excess of £1,000 payable by the owner.

Trading standards is warning buyers to “treat with a great deal of suspicion” any seller who says a puppy will be brought from another country. It is very difficul to know as a buyer whether the rabies vaccination information contained within the pet passport has been forged. Visit gov.uk/buying-a-cat-or-dog for advice.

Meanwhile, Cambridge’s Labour MP Daniel Zeicher spoke in support of better regulations for online pet sales during an e-petition Westminster Hall debate and paid tribute to the Reggie’s Law campaign.

He said: “The online world does have a lot to offer, but it must stop being a haven for those who profit from the cruel exploitation of animals.

“I was disappointed that the government chose to vote down a Labour amendment to the Kept Animals Bill last month, which would have brought in better protections for animals sold online.

“The government must act quickly to crack down on online sellers who harm animal welfare to turn a quick profit.”