Illegally imported animals
Date updated: 2/05/2023
If you suspect an animal has been illegally imported, within Greater London, contact us immediately on 020 8745 7894. Our animal health inspectors are on call 24 hours a day and you will be given the contact number of the duty officer who can help you.
To report a suspected illegally imported animal from outside Greater London call the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline on 03454 040506
Suspect illegal imports may include the following:
- An animal which is presented to a private veterinary surgeon for a booster vaccination and is found to be non-compliant with the EU pet travel scheme.
- An animal found trapped in a vehicle or container which has come from another country.
- An animal suspected of being illegally imported.
- A stray animal found in the vicinity of a port or airport where the owner can't be found.
Since 2012 there has been a substantial increase in the number of puppies illegally imported from puppy farms and puppy markets in Eastern Europe.
Help Dogs Trust put a STOP to Puppy Smuggling Transcript PDF (100KB)
Date submitted: 19/01/23