Warnings over imported puppies ahead of Christmas

People have been warned against buying puppies imported from abroad this Christmas following concerns they would have entered the UK unvaccinated.

Cambridgeshire County Council said four puppies had been quarantined by its Trading Standards in the last seven days.

Puppies can enter the UK 21 days after receiving a rabies vaccination, which only takes effect if they are at least 15 weeks old.

Alison Whelan, a Liberal Democrat councillor at the authority, said the importation "increases the risk of spreading disease" to the country and "raises serious welfare concerns for the animals".

The council said the majority of puppies brought to its attention had been too young to have an effective rabies vaccination.

It also said some had falsified passports stating they were older when imported.

Puppies illegally brought into the county are placed in quarantine for several weeks, which can cost the owner about £1,500, the authority said.

Whelan, the chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, said: "If the seller informs you that the puppy has been, or will be, brought in from another country, treat it with a great deal of suspicion."

She urged people to never have the puppy delivered to a home address or meet a seller at a car park for collection.

When talking about UK-bred puppies, Whelan encouraged people to see all documentation and "if something doesn't feel right, walk away".

The council said anyone with welfare concerns in relation to breeders should report them to the local council.

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