Two puppies who may have been carrying rabies and should not have travelled to this country have been seized by the council.
One dog was found in the town centre and another in Stopsley following concern raised by members of the public.
Although the seized animals had pet passports from other European countries, neither had received a rabies vaccination and one of the dogs was too young to have had the vaccination anyway, so neither of the animals should have been travelling here.
Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, portfolio holder for Trading Standards, said: “Unlike the rest of the world including some parts of Europe, this is a rabies-free island,and we would like to keep it that way! The law is there to protect all of us including our pets and wildlife, so don’t place lives at risk.“
One of the two dogs seized had been bought for £300, even though it would normally have been sold from a reputable source for up to £1500.
The Council advises people to avoid dogs being sold at below the market price or from dealers in private houses as this may indicate the animal is an illegal import.
Pay particular attention if the documentation is not in English.
Rabies is a serious infection. It invariably kills any creature, including humans, bitten by a rabid animal and can spread throughout a neighbourhood at an alarming rate.
Any imported animal without or with an invalid pet passport will be seized to protect this country from rabies and kept in quarantine. Unless the owner can prove the dog is here legally, they will be billed for overall costs which can be nearly £1,000.
If you are thinking about buying a puppy, check the paperwork very carefully and make sure it is in order – if you have any doubts then seek advice by calling Trading Standards on 08454 040506. But don’t just buy the dog anyway.
If you have any information about a dog which may have been illegally imported into this country, please call the Council on 01582 547262 or email tradingstandards@luton.gov.uk
Both the seized dogs have now been vaccinated, placed in quarantine and appear to be free from the rabies virus.