Trading Standards are warning against buying puppies imported from abroad this Christmas following continued concerns about puppies illegally entering the UK without the required vaccinations.
Four puppies have been quarantined by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Trading Standards in the last 7 days.
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.
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, thereby allowing it to be vaccinated and brought into the country.
This practice clearly has hidden dangers – vaccinations received at an early age are not effective so allow the potential spread of diseases such as Rabies. Without an effective vaccination they are entering the country illegally.
Once the Authorities are notified, illegally imported puppies are placed in quarantine for several weeks, away from their new families, with fees in excess of £1,500 payable by the owner.
Cllr Alison Whelan, chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The practice of illegally importing animals not only increases the risk of spreading disease to the UK, but it also raises serious welfare concerns for the animals, and in many instances, due to quarantine requirements, results in additional costs for the unsuspecting purchaser.
“Anyone thinking of buying or rehoming a puppy this Christmas should consider the advice on www.gov.uk/buying-a-cat-or-dog and in addition should view the puppy where it was bred. Never agree to have the puppy delivered to your home address or to meet the seller in a carpark for collection.
“If the seller informs you that the puppy has been, or will be, brought in from another country, treat it with a great deal of suspicion. It is very difficult for you to know, as a buyer, whether the Rabies vaccination information contained within the Pet Passport has been forged.
“For UK-bred puppies, if the puppy has been vaccinated, ask to see all the documentation. This must clearly state the veterinary practice where the puppy injections were given. Registered dog breeders should be able to show you their licence from their local District or City Council. If something doesn’t feel right, walk away”
A licence is required if someone is selling any number of dogs in the course of a trade or business, or they are breeding and selling three or more litters per annum for any reason.
Welfare concerns in relation to breeders should be reported to the local District Council, and anyone who has concerns about a puppy they have purchased should contact their vet in the first instance.
If you would like to contact someone about suspected illegal puppy trading please contact Trading Standards’ advice partner, the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, on 0808 223 1133, who will pass the details to the relevant local authority.
