Demand for designer pets prompts rise in illegal imports as cases soar by more than a quarter

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Demand for designer pets prompts rise in illegal imports as cases soar by more than a quarter in three years

  • French bulldogs, dachshunds and Pomeranians are among the most likely dog breeds to have been brought into Britain illegally
  • Almost six million people have bought a pet from abroad, the Direct Line found
  • This can result in hefty vet bills if owners have not been properly informed of the animal’s pre-existing medical conditions
  • The Department for Food and Rural Affairs advised those considering getting a pet to use a reputable UK rehoming organisation

By George Odling Crime Reporter For The Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

Investigations into illegally imported pets have risen by more than a quarter in three years as owners opt for designer breeds, a report reveals.

Councils have launched 740 probes since 2017, with French and American bulldogs, dachshunds, Pomeranians and chow chows the most likely to have been brought into Britain illegally.

More than half the pets investigated have been illegally imported, with a third then seized, forcing owners to pay for quarantine and vaccinations.

Almost six million people have bought a pet from abroad, spending £1.6billion on dogs and £1.3billion on cats, the study from Direct Line found.

Investigations into illegally imported pets have risen by more than a quarter in three years as owners opt for designer breeds, a report reveals. French bulldogs (pictured) are among the breeds most likely to be brought into Britain illegally, the study found [Stock image]

Veterinary nurse Madeline Pike warned that regulations in other countries are often less strict than in the UK.

She said: ‘Not knowing the history of an animal can result in the owner being left with costly vet bills due to pre-existing conditions, complications from an illness the pet contracted while abroad or during transit.

‘There are so many animals needing homes in the UK so we would encourage anyone considering rescuing or purchasing a pet to look closer to home.’

Almost six million people have bought a pet from abroad, spending £1.6billion on dogs and £1.3billion on cats, the study from Direct Line found. Pomeranians (pictured) are among the breeds most likely to have been brought to Britain illegally

Almost six million people have bought a pet from abroad, spending £1.6billion on dogs and £1.3billion on cats, the study from Direct Line found. Pomeranians (pictured) are among the breeds most likely to have been brought to Britain illegally 

One in five of the investigations began when buyers contacted the authorities after realising their pet was likely to have been illegally imported, while for one in six (16 per cent), the animal became ill with underlying health issues and had to be put down.

Ms Pike added: ‘Whether purchasing or rescuing, it’s vital to make sure the animal is healthy and hasn’t been taken from its mother too young. If in doubt, seek veterinary advice before making a decision to help avoid heartbreak further down the line.’

The Department for Food and Rural Affairs advised those considering getting a pet to use a reputable UK rehoming organisation, to view the animal and its documentation before buying and to check the breeder’s licence with the local authority.