# Knowledge of UK Residents About Importing Puppies from EU Countries

## TL;DR

A survey of UK residents reveals significant knowledge gaps about importing puppies from the EU, including legalities, transport methods, and disease risks.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific knowledge gaps among UK residents regarding EU puppy imports and exotic disease risks.

## Key findings

- Respondents showed poor understanding of EU Pet Passports and legal importation age.
- Awareness of exotic diseases and their transmission risks was low, even for rabies.
- Knowledge gaps may support illegal puppy trade and increase disease outbreak risks.

## Abstract

There is growing concern about the number of puppies being imported to the United Kingdom (UK) from European countries such as Romania; up to 10% of puppies purchased in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic are thought to have originated in the European Union (EU). The imported puppy trade is associated with substantial illegality, poor traceability and potential for substantial welfare detriment to the puppies involved. Little previous research has been conducted into UK residents’ knowledge of the logistics, legalities and disease risks associated with puppies being imported to the UK from the EU. This research aimed to fill that knowledge gap using a UK-wide survey. Valid responses were analyzed from 7184 respondents, most of whom were current dog owners. We identified significant knowledge gaps relating to what is conferred by an EU Pet Passport, how puppies are transported from Romania to the UK, and about the existence and transmission risks associated with a range of exotic diseases. These knowledge gaps may facilitate the burgeoning illegal trade in puppies across the EU and increase the risk of undetected exotic disease outbreaks. Substantial public education and/or legal action is required to prevent consumers unintentionally supporting poor welfare sources of puppies.

The number of puppies imported to the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) is increasing, as are concerns about the legality, welfare and potential disease risks associated with their trade. This study aimed to use an online survey to collect questionnaire data from UK residents about their awareness and knowledge of EU Pet Passports, illegal puppy importation, and dog-borne exotic diseases and the risks they might pose to UK-resident dogs and people. Valid responses were collected from n = 7184 UK residents, mainly current dog owners. We identified substantial knowledge gaps relating to EU Pet Passports, how puppies might be moved across Europe, and the legal age of importation. Awareness of exotic diseases was poor; knowledge about the risks they posed was even poorer, particularly in relation to dog–human transmission. With some respondents not even being confident that they had heard of rabies, there is substantial work to do to ensure that the UK canine and human populations remain safe in the face of significant welfare and exotic disease threats. These knowledge deficits may facilitate the burgeoning illegal trade in puppies across the EU. Legal change may be required to prevent consumers from unintentionally supporting poor welfare sources of puppies.