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UK: Stricter checks on imported rescue dogs needed, research warns

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  • UK: Stricter checks on imported rescue dogs needed, research warns

    Source: https://www.miragenews.com/stricter-...esearch-warns/

    Stricter checks on imported rescue dogs needed, research warns
    January 14, 2020 7:57 pm AEDT

    Confusion over the correct procedure for importing rescue dogs into the UK could mean many dogs are bypassing important additional checks, new University of Liverpool research published in the Vet Record warns.

    The majority of owners who took part in a large survey believe their overseas rescue dogs arrived in the UK through the European Union (EU) Pet Travel Scheme, which is intended only for pets of known health history travelling with their owner. Rescue dogs should instead be imported under the EU Balai Directive, which requires more stringent health and background checks and an Intra Trade Animal Health Certificate.

    In recent years, the number of dogs imported legally and illegally into the UK has risen and often involves dogs rescued from southern or eastern Europe. To try and find out why and how people in the UK import rescue dogs, the researchers ran an open online survey that was targeted at dog rescuers bringing animals in from abroad.

    Some 3080 responses were received covering the import of 81 different breeds from 44 countries. Of these, 34% were imported from Romania, followed by Cyprus (22%) and Spain (19%). Most (92%) respondents said they had adopted a rescue dog through an organisation, 40% of which were based abroad.

    Owners thought that most of the dogs (89%) had been imported through the EU Pet Travel Scheme. Only 1% of respondents indicated the EU Balai Directive, despite one in five saying they had looked at UK government website information on the correct procedures.

    While emphasising that the survey responses can’t be objectively confirmed, the researchers warn they nonetheless indicate a lack of understanding (or application) of the laws relating to the importation of rescue dogs from abroad.

    Lead researcher Dr Carri Westgarth said: “Clearly these animals need our help and can, in many circumstances, make great pets. However, some owners have also experienced serious health and behavioural issues and the risk of accidentally importing exotic disease into the UK needs managing better. I would advise potential adopters to adopt through a reputable organisation that they have thoroughly researched is using the correct importation procedures.”...
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