Warning over 'worrying trend' in number of illegally imported puppies in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire

Trading standards have issued the warning. Pic: Cambs County Council

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Trading Standards team said the trend has been driven by inflated puppy prices in the UK as a result of Covid-19.

Before a puppy is permitted to enter the UK it must be microchipped, effectively vaccinated against rabies, and wait a further 3 weeks in the country of origin. A puppy must be 12 weeks age for the Rabies vaccination to be effective, and at least 15 weeks of age before travelling. However, Trading Standards are increasingly seeing puppies with false passports, with incorrect dates of birth and ineffective vaccination records.

Due to the Rabies risk posed by such puppies, strict rules require the puppy to be quarantined for a number of weeks, and the purchaser of the puppy will be liable to cover the costs for quarantine which are around £1,000.

Trading Standards are urging anyone thinking of buying or rehoming a puppy this Christmas to consider the advice on the government website.

In addition, prospective buyers should also:

Be cautious when looking to buy an imported dog. It is difficult for a buyer to know if the Rabies vaccination information contained within the Pet Passport has been forged.

View the puppy where it was bred and with its mother.

Never agree to have the puppy delivered to your home address or meet the seller in a carpark for collection.

Ask to see all the documentation. This must clearly state the veterinary practice where the puppy injections were given.

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 call Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133, who will pass the details to the relevant local authority.

Peter Gell, Assistant Director Regulatory Services at Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, said: “The UK has worked hard to remain Rabies-free for almost 100 years, and it is imperative that we continue to tackle any activity that jeopardises this.

“That is not to say our officers find it easy to take puppies from their new families and place them into quarantine. It is extremely upsetting for the new owners, and finding the money to pay the quarantine costs can be challenging for many.

“I would urge anyone who is looking to buy a puppy ahead of Christmas and beyond to follow the advice above meticulously to ensure you and your puppy get off to the very best start.”