Dog and Puppy Traffickers

Dog and Puppy Trafficking

 

Any ‘rescue’ transporting dogs, puppies or cats as an ‘economic activity’ from the Irish Republic (ROI) to the UK must be in possession of Authorisation 2 under the Animal Welfare Transport Order 2006.

This EU Regulation applies equally to UK ‘rescues’ who travel to the Irish Republic to collect and bring back dogs, puppies or cats as part of an ‘economic activity’.

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animaltransport/

http://www.defra.gov.uk/food-farm/animals/welfare/transport/transporter-authorisation/

There are many individuals and businesses based both in the UK and Ireland who as part of an ‘economic activity’ do not transport dogs, puppies and cats legally.  The trafficking of rescue dogs, puppies and cats in regular, large consignments in unsuitable vehicles must not be allowed to continue as it places the animals at risk and allows animals to travel long distances when not always fit to do so.  If those responsible cannot comply with current legislation to ensure their animals welfare then this needs to be highlighted.

Many of the transporters are taking advantage of the lax border controls operating at ferry ports both in the Irish Republic and UK and using this as their advantage.  This is allowing many 'rescues' to be non compliant with the Animal Welfare Transport Order 2006.  They are also ignoring the legislation relating to the movement of dogs, puppies and cats under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and the Balai Directive for the commercial movement of dogs, puppies and cats, which is a matter for Local Authorities Trading Standards department to enforce.  They decide based on evidence available, whether to take action against individuals and businesses suspected of not complying with the relevant requirements both at ferry ports and the dogs, puppies and cats final destination in the UK.