Suspension of Imports – ADCH Change to Standards

Today, 14 April, DEFRA have suspended any commercial import of dogs or cats from four countries: Ukraine, Belarus, Romania and Poland.  This is to stop the illegal trade in dogs by rescues into England, which threatens the UK’s high animal health and disease status.

Importing diseases such as rabies, babeosis or distemper is a threat not only to the UK’s dog and cat population but also to humans.  ADCH supports this move and is working with Defra to prevent any illegal movements.

ADCH has today therefore temporarily changed its standards to make it a requirement for members not to import any rescue dogs or cats from those countries until 14 May [Update on 13 May, date has extended to 9 July ].

This measure does not apply to non commercial movements of cats and dogs under PETS who accompany refugees.  It also does not apply to the Republic of Ireland as the EU has not changed its rules.