Siberian husky team frozen out by Brexit
One of the UK’s top Siberian husky racing teams has been forced out of international competitions due to the additional expense of competing abroad created by Brexit.
Mary and John Carter, who run Bowland Trails on the outskirts of Blairgowrie, have described the rules and regulations imposed as a result of Britain leaving the European Union as “financially crippling” for dog racing teams.
And the couple, who hold the British and Scottish championship titles, say Brexit has also put a stop to the 220-acre site at Bowland Trails hosting the World Championships in the future.
Reigning world champion Mary told our sister title the Blairgowrie Advertiser: “We used to compete with our dogs abroad twice a year, taking part in events and competitions throughout Europe – in Sweden, Austria, Italy, Poland, France, Germany – usually taking teams of up to 18 dogs with us.
“We had to ensure that they were all microchipped and had the relevant vaccinations and everything so that they were eligible for pet passports, which cost us less than £100 per dog, which was manageable.
“Since Brexit, though, that cost has probably nearly quadrupled. Now, on top of the vaccinations, we need blood tests to see if the vaccinations have worked and vet health checks to see if the dogs are fit to travel so there is a lot more bureaucracy and multiple visits to the vets to pay for just to do the same as we have always done.
“In addition, new regulations for the Eurotunnel mean that we can’t travel with more than five dogs in total at any one time.”
Mary added: “It is absolutely heartbreaking. Our whole lives revolve around huskies and racing. John has been racing for over 30 years and I’ve been doing it for more than half my life, and our children were starting to compete on an international level too.
“Our dogs were doing so well, between John and I we have won the World and European championships for the last four international seasons and now we aren’t able to compete at that level anymore.
“And, although the races haven’t happened over the last year or so due to COVID, once the events start taking place again and we can’t compete it is really going to hit home how much we are missing out on.”
Bowland Trails has also hosted a number of events for various clubs and organisations, including the Sled Dog Association of Scotland Championship finals – which usually take place in March – British Championship races, and the European Championships, which saw competitors come from all over the UK, Europe and even Russia to take part.
John is the sports director for the
World Championships and Mary says organisers had been keen to hold the event in Blairgowrie.
Mary said: “Hosting the World Championships would have really put east Perthshire and Scotland on the map, and it would have provided a significant economic boost, but unfortunately there is no way it is financially viable to hold it in the UK now because of Brexit and the additional costs competitors would incur travelling here.
“It is financially crippling for anyone to do it with teams of dogs now. Our international racing career is basically over.”