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Successful Prosecution Against Rabies Risk

A Portuguese lorry driver has been successfully prosecuted by the Borough of Poole's Environmental & Consumer Protection Services after illegally landing his pet dog in Great Britain without the proper innoculations against Rabies. 

Under the Pet Travel Scheme any dog or cat entering the UK must be vaccinated and then blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has provided a satisfactory level of protection against rabies. Pets must also be treated against ticks and a tapeworm not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before they are checked in for their journey into the UK.

Arriving in Poole Port, Mr Carlos Duarte and his wife had thought that the Pet Passport they had for their dog "Putchy" was up to date and entitled them to take the dog anywhere in Europe.  However Mr Duarte had not completed the required blood test which rendered the vaccination and therefore the passport invalid.  

Mr Duarte had also failed to have the dog treated for Ticks and Tapeworm within the required period prior to his leaving the country of departure.  Mr Duarte received a £200 fine and the dog was impounded by the officers in the special kennels at the port.

Councillor Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment said: "Rabies control on imported animals in this country is very strict and rightly so as we remain one of only a handful of countries in the world where the disease is not endemic.   We will continue to work alongside our colleagues at DEFRA to enforce the legislation and protect our country from the threat of rabies."

DEFRA authorise certain carriers to carry pets using the pet passport scheme.  This authorisation is only issued to passenger carriers and at the moment there are no freight lines with the authorisation.  This means that any lorry drivers bringing their pets into Great Britain via the UK's ports leave themselves open to prosecution and the pet liable for destruction.

Lucy Magill, Regulatory Services Manager, Environment & Consumer Protection, Borough of Poole on 01202 261736