'Shocking' animal welfare standards uncovered in puppy trade

  • Animals
Credit: PA

The international puppy trade is riddled with a "high level of corruption" and "shocking" animal welfare standards, according to an investigation into puppies brought into the UK from eastern Europe.

Footage released by the Dogs Trust shows criminal breeders, vets and transporters in eastern European countries abusing the Pet Travel Scheme, which allows pet dogs, cat and ferrets to enter Britain without quarantine.

Vets from countries like Lithuania and Hungary were caught on camera creating false pet passports and rabies vaccination records.

Tiny puppies who were far too young slipped through the cracks undeclared to customs because of a lack of checks at ferry ports and borders.

Very young puppies who have not been vaccinated risk spreading rabies. Credit: PA

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Foreign breeders were making up to £100,000 every year, while some puppies were forced to make journeys of over 1000 miles in appalling conditions without the correct treatments or vaccinations.

The Dogs Trust said this would increase the risk of deadly diseases like rabies entering the UK and spreading.

Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust veterinary director, explained:

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One family who almost lost their precious pooch because he was illegally imported were the Donkins.

Mum Caroline and her daughter Eleanor Donkin spoke to Good Morning Britain about how they were forced to shell out £500 so their Maltese Terrier Milo could be quarantined or face being put to sleep.

The Dogs Trust called 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 those caught illegally bringing dogs into Britain.

While the government maintained the responsibility of stopping the illegal puppy trade began "in the country where they are born," a spokesman for the department of environment, food and rural affairs maintained there were "stringent penalties" in place for those who broke the law.