No change to import rules for dogs and cats from UK (Update)

FRIDAY, DEC. 30, UPDATE: Vets and dog clubs have welcomed Government’s decision not to change the island’s regulations governing the importation of cats and dogs.

Some had feared the United Kingdom’s move to relax its pet borders from 2012 would result in Bermuda imposing far more stringent restrictions on bringing in animals from the UK.

But yesterday Environment Minister Marc Bean confirmed that dogs and cats of any age would continue to be allowed into Bermuda from the UK without having a rabies vaccination.

He said: “The main concern for Bermuda at this time has been the extent to which these policy changes could potentially pose a greater risk of rabies being imported to Bermuda, which currently enjoys a rabies-free status.

“We currently receive approximately 200 animals per year from the United Kingdom.

“For us, the new protocol has caused Government to consider whether less restriction on animals entering the UK from Europe could increase Bermuda’s vulnerability to the entry of rabies.

“In weighing this risk against the effect of added import regulations, we have concluded that the risk is sufficiently low to enable Bermuda to continue accepting dogs and cats of any age from the United Kingdom without requiring any rabies vaccination, and to allow these animals to enter Bermuda as young as three months of age. 

“Additionally, animals from rabies-infected areas will continue to require dual rabies vaccinations and do not qualify for entry before age 10 months.”

The stance adopted by Government is the one recommended just a few weeks ago by the Bermuda Vet Association.

Vet Andrew Madeiros told the Bermuda Sun: “It appears that Government has considered all the information from multiple sources and decided that the risk doesn’t warrant any changes on importation.

“This is a good thing for dogs and dog owners in Bermuda.

“I appreciate the Minister listening to the veterinary community and we support this decision.

“Obviously we will be monitoring the UK to see how they manage with their new changes.”

Relief

The decision also met with huge relief from dog owners and members of island’s dog clubs.

Carole Havercroft, Bermuda Kennel Club show chairman, said: “This is very good news. We respect and thank the Minister for listening to the many experienced and professional veterinarians, dog trainers, dog clubs and cat fanciers.

“Campaigning for this outcome locally was a joint effort by a huge amount of individuals and by all these entities.

“In fact it’s the first time that all these clubs and associations have come together as such a united team. We are all very relieved and believe that this decision is the right one for Bermuda at this time.

“It is so important for families to be able to import the right and most suitable pet for their lifestyle and at the correct age, i.e. as a young puppy or kitten.

“It’s a wonderful late Christmas present to all.”