**RSPCA Warns of Dog Disease Threat Amid Concerns Over Pet Import Regulations**
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has issued a stark warning about the increasing risk of diseases being brought into the UK through dog imports, calling the situation a “ticking time bomb” and urging urgent action from the government to establish stricter controls.
According to recent government figures, a staggering 320,000 pets entered the country under travel pet schemes in 2023, with a further 44,000 imported as commercial animals. These statistics have raised alarm bells within animal welfare circles, particularly as many of these animals arrive without comprehensive health checks.
David Bowles, a spokesperson for the RSPCA, voiced concern about the largely unregulated nature of dog rescue imports. In an interview, Bowles compared the current system to a “Deliveroo for dogs”, highlighting the ease and frequency with which pets are brought into the country. “Our primary concern is that these imported dogs have not undergone proper health screenings,” he said. “This creates a real risk—not just for the imported animals, but for the wider pet population and even their owners.”
Currently, there is no legal requirement for rescue organisations bringing dogs into England, Wales, or Northern Ireland to hold a licence or meet specific standards. This regulatory gap, according to experts, has the potential to allow diseases not usually found in Britain to spread. The arrival of untested animals could see conditions such as canine distemper and rabies, which have been largely eradicated locally, re-emerging.
The issue comes into sharper focus following the advancement of a new bill in Parliament aimed at curbing animal smuggling and cruelty. The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Danny Chambers, recently passed the House of Commons with support from across the political spectrum. The legislation seeks to introduce major changes, such as reducing the number of animals that can enter for non-commercial reasons, banning the import of puppies and kittens under six months old, as well as pregnant pets, and prohibiting the import of dogs and cats that have undergone “mutilations” like ear cropping.
Dr Chambers, who is also a practicing vet, has documented the distressing realities of puppy smuggling. He described the process as “unimaginably cruel”, with young animals being separated from their mothers and subjected to long, hazardous journeys in poor conditions, often to maximise illicit profits for unscrupulous traders. “Careful consideration has been given to these new limits,” he noted, emphasising that the measures aim to balance the prevention of illegal activity with the rights of genuine pet owners.
One particularly worrying trend highlighted by Dr Chambers is the increasing popularity of dogs with cropped ears—an illegal practice in the UK but often normalised on social media platforms. He criticised the influence of celebrities and influencers who showcase such animals, fuelling public demand and inadvertently promoting mutilation.
Other MPs have echoed concerns about the impact of digital platforms, with calls for social media companies to better police content that could amount to animal abuse or encourage illegal imports. There is growing pressure for these companies to take responsibility for their role in promoting harmful behaviours.
The legislative reforms are still under debate, with the proposed bill now moving to the House of Lords. Should it become law, it will represent one of the most comprehensive overhauls of pet import regulations in recent years, aiming to protect both animal welfare and public health.
Amidst the ongoing debate, the RSPCA is maintaining its call for mandatory licensing and health checks for all rescue organisations and importers. Advocates warn that without firmer action, the UK could face mounting health crises among its pet population, with far-reaching consequences for animal and human wellbeing alike.