Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns
Urgent RSPCA warning over imported dogs
- An animal charity has urged the UK government to implement stricter regulations on the import of dogs, citing concerns over disease transmission and behavioural problems.
- The RSPCA highlighted government statistics that 320,000 pets entered the UK via travel schemes and 44,000 as commercial imports in 2023, warning of 'ticking time bombs' due to inadequate health testing.
- There is currently no licensing requirement for animal rescue organisations in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, contributing to the unregulated import of animals.
- A new Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, proposed by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Danny Chambers, has passed the Commons with cross-party support.
- The bill aims to reduce non-commercial animal entry, ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months old or heavily pregnant animals, and prohibit the import of mutilated dogs and cats, such as those with docked ears.