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The RSPCA has welcomed the European Parliament’s adoption of a resolution formally calling for action to tackle the growing illegal trade in pets.

The Parliament (EP) is calling on the European Commission to take action to try to stop the illegal trafficking of dogs and cats.

The issue has become a major concern for the RSPCA, and other animal welfare organisations, since the Pet Travel Scheme was introduced in 2003.

This system, which was designed to allow people to travel with their pets for holidays and for shows, is now all too often exploited by animal traffickers for commercial purposes. In 2015 alone, 93,424 dogs were imported into the UK for commercial and noncommercial reasons and 85,730 of those came from within the EU.

The RSPCA is particularly concerned about the number of puppies being imported, under this scheme, from European countries where large-scale puppy farms are known to operate.

The charity’s puppy report – ‘Sold a pup? Exposing the breeding, trade and sale of puppies’ – published last week, lifts the lid on the scale of the puppy trade and market in England, and also revealed what countries appear to be fuelling the problem (see graphic above), as well as the trade routes likely used to illegally import these pups.

The EP Resolution, coordinated by Renate Sommer MEP, was underpinned by Eurogroup for Animals’ Protect Our Pets campaign.

The RSPCA estimates, in its recent report, that more than 70,000 puppies were imported into the UK – 30,000 from illegal farms in Romania, Hungary, Poland and Lithuania; and 40,000 from Ireland – over the last 12 months.

David Bowles, assistant director of external affairs at the RSPCA, said: “There is a huge demand for particular breeds and designer crossbreeds in the UK and responsible, regulated breeders cannot produce enough puppies. This means that unscrupulous and unregulated breeders and dealers are filling the gap with puppies, many of which are illegally trafficked into the country.

“A lot of these puppies are bred in horrendous conditions by large-scale breeders with little or no consideration for the welfare of the animals themselves. They may be taken from their mothers when they are too young and transported across the EU without vaccinations or legitimate paperwork.

“Many of these puppies contract life-threatening diseases and are at risk of developing behavioural issues in later life.

“That’s why we’ve launched the Scrap the Puppy Trade campaign, to tackle this issue head-on. We want the Government in England to introduce legislation which would help bring this illegal – but profitable – trade to an end.

“Just two of the recommendations we’re making to Westminster is to increase risk-based spot checks at Dover to enforce the rules on non-commercial trade in dogs and puppies; and to transfer the responsibility for implementing and enforcing the PETS system from the ferry companies to the statutory border control agency.”

According to Eurogroup for Animals, the trafficking of pets is estimated to be the third most profitable illegal trade after weapons and drugs within the EU. And a recent study found that the trade in cats and dogs in the EU was worth €1.3 billion annually.

A Eurogroup for Animals spokesperson said: "This Resolution sends a clear signal to the European Commission that it is time to act to stop this horrific, illegal trade. They have the powers in place, they have the evidence from their own study, and now they have the clear political will from the elected representatives of the Union too. My sincere thanks to Renate Sommer and to all those who voted for the motion."

Renate Sommer MEP, the instigator of the Parliament’s Resolution, added: "This Resolution seeks to mitigate the most opaque elements of the Pet Travel Scheme, namely by harmonising the national identification and registration systems and requirements for pets across the EU. Such a harmonisation would provide greater certainties over the age of any given animal, its vaccination status, and would allow for proper cross-border traceability.

"Many Member States already have systems for the identification and registration of pets. We are not seeking to reinvent the wheel here – we do not see the need for some sort of single EU level database. All we need is to have the same requirements, with compatible systems in each Member State. This should neither be beyond the wit of EU Governments, nor should it cause any concerns with the Commission over the issue of subsidiarity.

"The evidence is clear, as is the solution. As well as being our companions, pets do pose serious transmissible disease threats to animals and humans alike. I now hope that the Commission will have the courage to take the necessary political decision, based on our Resolution, so that we can end this cruel inhumane trade, and so that Europe’s pets, animals and owners alike are better protected in the future."

Vet charity PDSA is advising owners to make sure their pets’ vaccinations are up to date following a confirmed case of leptospirosis – a highly contagious and potentially fatal infection.

Senior Vet at Aberdeen PDSA Pet Hospital, Fiona Gregge, explained: “Leptospirosis is quite rare; the bacteria are spread through the urine of an infected animal, often rats. But flooding can increase the risk of contracting the disease, which causes symptoms including vomiting, jaundice, lethargy, fever and organ failure – even with treatment it is often fatal.”

The dog that had contracted leptospirosis received intensive treatment, but sadly died despite the best efforts of the vets and nurses at Aberdeen PDSA. Leptospirosis is also zoonotic, which means it can be passed from animals to humans, although the chances of this happening are very small.

Fiona continued: “It’s incredibly sad to see a pet suffering like that, especially when a quick vaccination or booster could have prevented this. I’d advise all owners to make sure their pets’ vaccinations are up to date, but particularly those in areas that have experienced flooding in recent months. Leptospirosis usually requires an annual booster, but check with your vet if you’re not sure.”

Vaccinations can also protect against a range of easily spread diseases, such as parvovirus and distemper in dogs, feline influenza and leukaemia in cats, and myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease in rabbits. Further information about vaccinations is available on PDSA’s website www.pdsa.org.uk/pethealth.

Thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, PDSA will deliver 60,000 vaccinations to pets in 12 months. PDSA says around 20% of the cases it sees could be prevented, and funding from players has enabled the charity to set up a team of dedicated Pet Wellbeing Champions – one at each of its 51 pet hospitals. These veterinary staff are able to identify vulnerable pets in need of preventive healthcare and educate more owners about the benefits of vaccinations, neutering and flea and worming treatments.

Aberdeen PDSA Pet Hospital provides free veterinary treatment to the sick and injured pets of people in need. The dedicated team can see as many as 80 pets a day, providing more than 23,000 treatments a year

The RSPCA has launched an appeal to find the owners of a Dalmatian.

The Dalmatian, named Harvey was found alone and freezing cold at a bus stop near Shedfield Common in Hampshire.

He was then taken by a member of the public to Animed Veterinary Practice in Shedfield – vets there struggled to register his temperature as he was so cold.

Harvey, believed to be around three years old, also had severe diarrhea – he was so weak he could barely lift his head or wag his tail.

He knows his name and is microchipped with a registered address in Ynysybwl, Pontypridd – however the phone numbers on the chip are not recognised.

RSPCA inspector Tina Ward is now trying to find his owners.

Inspector Ward said: “Animed have done a fantastic job helping Harvey and he has already made so much progress.

“He is now at an RSPCA centre to continue on his road to recovery.

“We are desperate to know how he came to be in this state and where his owners are.

“We hope someone in Wales or in the Hampshire area may recognise him and come forward. You can call our inspectorate line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.”