Vets asked for evidence on puppy imports
"RSPCA intelligence suggests that there is a growing illegal trade in puppies from other EU countries and this is causing serious health and welfare problems."
Veterinary professionals are being asked to share their experiences and views as part of a new survey launched by the RSPCA following the rising numbers of illegally imported puppies being brought into the country.
It is hoped that the survey, which forms part of the charity's ongoing research into the illegal puppy trade, will help build a true picture of the scale of the problem in England and Wales today.
The survey includes questions on what vets consider to be the greatest concerns in relation to poor breeding, dealing and illegal imports of puppies. Vets are also asked what they think can be done to address these problems.
James Yeates, the RSPCA's chief veterinary officer, said: "RSPCA intelligence suggests that there is a growing illegal trade in puppies from other EU countries and this is causing serious health and welfare problems. In many cases puppies are dying or becoming seriously ill. Risk factors appear to include being take from their mothers too early, not being vaccinated and having to endure long journeys in poor conditions.
"However, it's very difficult to get a full view on the scale of the problem as many cases never get reported to the RSPCA. Vets are likely to to be the first port of call when a puppy bought by an unsuspecting buyer becomes sick and may be faced with many of these cases - if sadly not all."
Since the laws were relaxed in 2012, pet imports and the risk of rabies has been of rising concern amongst members of the veterinary profession.
Previously, dogs could not enter the UK until six months after they had been vaccinated against rabies, whereas the scheme now requires just 21 days.
Along with other measures to the EU pet travel regulations, a new pet passport scheme will be introduced in December 2014.
Changes will include a minimum age for rabies vaccinations, new rules for individuals travelling with more than five pets and new security measures to prevent passport forgeries.
“We’re interested in hearing from vets to get their evidence from practice and to hear their ideas about how we can tackle the lucrative illegal trade in puppies," James Yeates added.
To fill in the survey visit: www.surveymonkey.com/s/QQNBVFV
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
