Blue Cross joins others to call for action on illegal EU dog and cat trade

Blue Cross came together with other animal welfare organisations from across Europe last night (Tuesday 27 September) to call for a continent-wide action plan to tackle the illegal trade in dogs and cats in the EU.

A worrying number of pets are being transported illegally into countries across the European Union, often with fake pet passports, and many of them are suffering from poor travelling and living conditions.

Puppies are being bred in appalling conditions by people with little regard for their welfare or for the welfare of their parents. They are often trafficked across hundreds of miles in tiny cages without access to proper food or water before being sold to unsuspecting new owners.

Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross, said: “Pets are suffering because of the illegal trade in dogs and cats across the EU and we must work hard to stop this. We believe the action plan will ensure this crime is taken as seriously as it deserves to be and hope the European parliament will make animal welfare a priority.”

Blue Cross is a member of the EU Dog and Cat Alliance. The alliance’s action plan included encouraging information sharing across agencies and countries, as well as consumer education and protection.

As well as this illegal trade having a negative impact on animal welfare, there are also implications for animal health, human health and consumer protection.