THE UK’s largest dog welfare charity, which has a re-homing centre in Harefield, is calling on the Government to halt the illegal import of puppies as Brexit approaches.
It follows an undercover investigation, which exposes the magnitude and ease of trade routes into the country for European smugglers.
Dogs Trust has uncovered a network of corrupt breeders, dealers, and vets, who openly admit to abusing the Pet Travel Scheme.
Puppies are often sedated in cramped conditions and forced into 30-hour journeys over 1,000 miles with little water and no toilet breaks.
Heavily-pregnant bitches are caged in sickening conditions and forced to travel gruelling journeys to allow for the puppies to be born here (UK-born puppies offer quicker sales).
Corrupt vets falsify passports and provide fake vaccination stamps to enable puppies to travel.
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Richard Moore Re-homing Centre Manager at Harefield, said: “Puppy smugglers are only concerned with making a profit, and the UK provides an attractive market.
“With Brexit around the corner, this is an opportunity of a lifetime to put robust measures in place that protect dogs and the public.
"We urge the Government to overhaul pet travel legislation and increase the penalties for those caught fuelling this despicable trade.”
Heather Bashford, of Pinner, took in a dachshund called Gooseberry from Dogs Trust last year after she was illegally smuggled into the country from Hungary.
She said: “Goose wasn’t available for re-homing due to her stomach discomfort, so she was placed into foster with me until we knew what was wrong.
“She had various tests and checks and it was soon found to be a nail in her stomach, which was removed. I decided I couldn’t bear to part with her and adopted her.”
Dogs Trust is asking people to contact their MP via the Dogs Trust website to help put an end to the cruel puppy smuggling trade.
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