STAFF at a Purbeck animal rescue centre have urged pet owners to exercise caution when adopting overseas rescue dogs, in a bid to combat puppy smuggling.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue issued its warning after the publication of a Dogs Trust report investigating the illegal entry of dogs into the UK.

While the focus of this report is commercial puppy smuggling in and out of Eastern Europe, it also highlights the need to abide by strict regulations.

Matt Devereux, trustee at Margaret Green Animal Rescue, said: “Alarmingly, these regulations are not always met which lead to huge welfare and health risks for both the dogs involved and also the people.

“Imported dogs adopted through any rescue organisation should be fully legal and adopters should demand copies of the relevant paperwork prior to adoption.”

Rescue dogs imported into the UK must have a pet passport, a microchip, been treated for tapeworm, had a rabies vaccination and waited for 21 days after this vaccination.

Dogs entering the UK for commercial import must also have a clinical examination by a vet to ensure the animal is fit to travel, said Margaret Green.

A spokesman for the charity, which has a centre at Church Knowle, Purbeck, stressed: “Imported dogs adopted through any rescue organisation should be fully legal and adopters should demand copies of the relevant paperwork prior to adoption.”

The spokesman added: “Margaret Green Animal Rescue wished to stress that adopting a dog or a puppy is a huge commitment and taking on a new animal is not a decision to be taken lightly.

“The majority of dogs rescued by Margaret Green Animal Rescue have been abandoned or found as strays in the Dorset and Devon area.”

If you are interested in rehoming a rescue dog please contact Margaret Green Animal Rescue’s Lincoln Farm rehoming centre at margaretgreenanimal rescue.org.uk or call 01929 471340.