Continental Puppy Trading - Find a freedom of information request

Request

I am currently undertaking research into the continental puppy trade and would be grateful if you could supply me with the answers to the following queries.

1. Between 1st January 2018 and 31st December 2020:

a. how many puppies/dogs were seized by Trading Standards on suspicion that they were in breach of the Rabies Order 1974;

b. how many of these puppies/dogs were subsequently quarantined; and

c. how many of these puppies/dogs went to a licensed quarantine facility for their quarantine period and how many were quarantined at home?

 

2. For each calendar year from 1st January 2018 up to 31st December 2020, how many prosecutions has the Local Authority carried out in relation to illegally imported puppies under either:

a. the Rabies Order 1974; or

b. The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011; or

c. Other legislation (please state), and for any prosecutions relating to illegally imported puppies, please state the penalties received by the defendant in the case.

 

3. For each calendar year from 1st January 2018 up to 31st December 2020:

a. how many reports have you received, either from the general public or anyone else, in relation to the suspected illegal importation of puppies?

b. please confirm how many of these reports have been investigated further. Please provide figures for each year.

Decision

1.a. None were seized by Lincolnshire Trading Standards

b. Whilst none were actually seized by Lincolnshire trading standards, 2 owners were told to arrange quarantine at a licensed quarantine facility and 3 were told to quarantine at home while investigations were on-going. 4 were seized and quarantined as part of our investigations with action taken by other Trading Standards (as a result of where in the country the dog was to seize from - i.e. the dog was not located in Lincolnshire but we worked with the local Trading Standards to alert them to the issue)

c. 2 owners were told to arrange quarantine at a licensed quarantine facility (failure to do so would result in potential seizure) and 3 were told to quarantine at home while investigations were on-going.

 

2. None resulted in prosecution by Lincolnshire Trading Standards

 

3. a. 2018: 7, 2019: 4, 2020: 4 - 15 in total

b. All 15 were investigated. All reports of illegally landed dogs are thoroughly investigated.

Reference number
1102249
Date request received
26 February 2021
Date of decision
19 March 2021