Rabies protection

Importing Animals

The Trading Standards Service, along with Customs & Excise and DEFRA (the Government Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) enforce and advise upon the strict laws covering the importation of animals and the controls to prevent the spread of rabies.

The service also investigates reports of animals being illegally imported.

If you are importing animals as part of your trade special rules apply and you should contact Trading Standards for further information.

What do you need?

When making a complaint regarding the illegal importation of animals the County Council will require the following information:

• Your name, address & telephone number
• The best time to contact you
• The name & address of the business you are complaining about
• Brief details of what the complaint is about

Other Information

Rabies is a serious viral infection which attacks the central nervous system of humans and animals (normally by a bite from an infected animal) which can be fatal if not treated.

Imported animals must still be placed in quarantine unless the animal is specifically exempt from quarantine rules.

Please remember:

• It is illegal to disobey quarantine rules
• Illegally imported animals can be destroyed
• People breaking the rules can be fined or sent to prison
• The importation of pets (including hamsters, gerbals, mice and birds) into the United Kingdom is strictly controlled and it is essential that anyone intending to import a pet should obtain the latest information

The pet travel scheme (PETS) run by DEFRA allows certain animals to be moved between specific countries without being taken into quarantine.

For more information on the pet travel scheme contact the helpline on 0870 241 1710 or visit the DEFRA website.

To contact the Cumbria County Council Trading Standards Department on 01228 607447.