Rabies protection
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 (external link).
To contact the Cumbria County Council Trading Standards
Department on 01228 607447.