Region hit by rise in illegal puppy trade

Puppies in a transport cage as a charity has uncovered a "high level of corruption" and "shocking" animal welfare following its investigation into the trade of puppies from eastern Europe to the UK

The Dogs Trust claims thousands of pet dogs being sold in the county have been smuggled in to Britain from eastern Europe, some of which are forced to endure journeys in appalling conditions without suitable treatments or vaccinations, increasing the risk of spreading diseases such as rabies.

Investigators found that internet search of three leading classified advertising websites in Yorkshire currently reveals 7,380 puppies for sale, the highest number outside of London.

While there is no way of proving any are illegal imports, animal welfare campaigners say the sheer volume so readily available points to abuse of the Pet Travel Scheme, which allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets to enter Britain without quarantine.

With just over a month until Christmas, the Dogs Trust has issued a plea to owners and anyone considering buying a puppy to be extra-vigilant.

Veterinary director Paula Boyden said: “A puppy remains on the top of many wish lists and unsuspecting Yorkshire shoppers will continue to buy puppies online which may have been brought into the country illegally; meaning the risk of unknowingly bringing a puppy from eastern Europe with diseases and behavioural problems into the home is very real.”

The probe into the dark side of puppy trading, laid bare today, filmed criminal breeders, vets and transporters in Hungary and Lithuania abusing the Pet Travel Scheme. European vets were also caught on camera creating false pet passports and rabies vaccination records.

“The number of declared puppies entering the UK between 2011 and 2013 from Lithuania has increased by 780 per cent and risen 663 per cent from Hungary,” said Mrs Boyden.

“This rise does not scratch the surface if you consider the number of puppies that are illegally smuggled and not accounted for in these figures. Dogs Trust is urging anyone considering a puppy to stop and think - ‘where on earth is my dog coming from?’.

“Buyers must be vigilant, as a puppy brought in from eastern Europe could cost far more than expected.”

Dogs Trust is urgently calling on the Government to have a co-ordinated approach to the enforcement of the Pet Travel Scheme from ferry companies and Eurotunnel to government agencies.

It also wants the introduction of a strict penalty charge and deterrent for criminal breeders thought to be pocketing up to £100,000 a year through the illegal trade.

Evidence collected in the investigation has been handed to the Department for Food and Rural Affairs

A Defra spokesman said: “Responsibility for stopping the illegal movement of puppies begins in the country where they are born, and we are writing to the authorities in Lithuania and Hungary to remind them of their duty to ensure passports are correct and the welfare of pets intended for sale is safeguarded.

“Every pet travelling with its owner on an approved route is checked for compliance with the pet travel regime and the Border Force carry out a wide range of checks on animals arriving in the UK. Stringent penalties are already in place for those that breach the law by smuggling animals or using false documentation.”