Stars’ dogs fuel illicit puppy trade
FROM Hollywood to the High Street, they’re seen as a furry fashion accessory.
But the rising popularity of ‘handbag dogs’ is fuelling a surge in illegal puppy imports, vets warned yesterday.
The huge market for breeds such as pugs, chihuahuas and French bulldogs – which are also popular with celebrities – has led to more dogs being smuggled into the UK. These animals have often not had the proper vaccinations – risking the spread of disease.
Sharon Osbourne and Reese Witherspoon are famously fond of chihuahuas and Victoria Beckham has a French bulldog called Scarlet, while Hugh Laurie and Paris Hilton are fond of pugs.
Nearly a third of vets believe they have treated puppies that have been unlawfully imported to the UK, according to the survey of more than 1,000 vets by the British Veterinary Association.
Of those, half raised concerns about French bulldogs, 29 per cent about pugs and 16 per cent about chihuahuas.
The research found suspicions were raised by issues such as foreign microchips or the puppy’s age not matching the age in its passport. Gudrun Ravetz, of the BVA, said: ‘Illegal importers only care about profit, not puppy welfare.’ Puppies can be brought into the UK for sale, but there are regulations the dogs must be over 15 weeks old.
Last month almost 100 puppies were seized on a ferry from Dublin to North Wales. Beagles, basset hounds and labradoodles were found in cages on a lorry.