21
Not Addressed
Illegally imported and rehomed stray dogs pose significant biosecurity risks for pets and humans.
Recommendation
The movement of illegally imported dogs into the UK, and the importation of stray dogs for rehoming, pose considerable biosecurity risks for both pets and humans. Diseases such as rabies, leishmaniasis and Brucella canis may be imported into the UK from abroad. Of particular concern is the rise in Brucella canis cases in the UK, from 14 in 2020 to 75 in 2022. Imported dogs are also at increased risk of infectious diseases such as parvovirus as a result of low welfare breeding establishments, and cramped and dirty conditions whilst in transit.
Government Response Summary
The Government acknowledges the biosecurity risks but states it will not make changes at this time, claiming it monitors disease risk carefully and will consider further actions as appropriate, guided by risk assessment, while recommending prospective owners test imported dogs.
Paragraph Reference
93
Government Response
Not Addressed
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government takes biosecurity seriously but would not seek to make this change at this time. Disease risk is monitored carefully and is kept under constant review. Where necessary we have the powers in legislation to introduce preventive health measures to protect animal or public health by controlling diseases or infections that are likely to be spread due to the movement of pet animals into Great Britain. We remain aware of the concerns around non-endemic diseases and will consider any further actions as appropriate. Our future policy will be guided by risk assessment. We recommend prospective owners make sure any dog imported from regions where non-endemic diseases are present are tested before arrival.
Source
Inquiry
Pet welfare and abuse
Report
Second Report - Pet welfare and abuse
05 Apr 2024
HC 161
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.2 yrs
Report published
05 Apr 2024