Dangerous Dealings: Study Shows Public Unaware of Puppy Import Dangers

Two new studies from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have found widespread misunderstanding among the UK public about the importation of puppies from European Union (EU) countries.

Around 950,000 puppies are estimated to be needed each year to meet demand in the UK, yet only 20% are thought to be supplied by registered domestic breeders. The shortfall has led to a surge in puppy imports, including from illegal sources. The trade presents risks including low welfare standards for breeding dogs and puppies, as well as the spread of diseases such as Brucella canis, Leishmania infantum and rabies. A recent National Audit Office report (June 2025) raised concerns over the UK’s readiness to respond to animal disease outbreaks.

The studies coincide with the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, which recently passed its third reading in the House of Commons and is due to be debated in the House of Lords. If approved, the bill would prohibit the import of puppies under six months of age, heavily pregnant animals, and dogs subjected to ear cropping or tail docking. The RVC research supports the legislation but stresses that public education is needed to reduce demand for imported puppies and support responsible ownership.

Awareness of conditions such as Brucella canis and rabies was low, particularly in terms of risks to human health

The first study surveyed over 7,000 UK residents, mostly current dog owners, to assess understanding of EU pet travel laws and disease risks. Only 30% knew that EU Pet Passports can no longer be issued in the UK post-Brexit. More than half were unsure whether 8-week-old EU-born puppies could be legally imported.

Thirteen per cent wrongly believed a pet passport included testing for infectious diseases, and awareness of conditions such as Brucella canis and rabies was low, particularly in terms of risks to human health.

Dr Rowena Packer, senior author on both studies, said, “Our results indicate that the UK public’s lack of awareness on key issues related to puppy importation have likely led to many well-meaning buyers sleepwalking into supporting the illegal puppy trade. Although the introduction of a ban on puppy imports under six months old is encouraging, any enforcement measures need to be backed up by changes to puppy buyer awareness and behaviour.”

The second study analysed 4,000 responses about attitudes towards puppies imported from Romania, one of the most common sources of puppy imports. Nearly 70% of participants believed there was no difference between EU-born and UK-bred puppies. Just 40% recognised that imported puppies might be more difficult to care for, and under 20% considered the disease risks to humans.

Only 50% of respondents identified any welfare risk to puppies from the journey across Europe, and just 2% mentioned the possibility that an imported puppy might struggle to adapt or find a suitable home in the UK.

Dr Zoe Belshaw, first author on both papers, added, “Puppies born overseas may carry diseases which can infect both people and other dogs, yet many respondents to this survey were unaware of these diseases. Our findings suggest that much more needs to be done to educate the UK public about exotic disease risks.”