JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

January 2006  

ILLEGALLY LANDED PUPPY HELD IN QUARANTINE

A young puppy that was disclaimed to the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter just before Christmas was found to have been illegally landed in Jersey.  The puppy has since been placed into isolation in a dedicated holding facility used for short-term quarantine needs at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter whilst an investigation by the Police and the States of Jersey Environment Department has been carried out.

On arrival at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter, all disclaimed animals receive a thorough health check and it was during this health check procedure that the little puppy’s foreign immigrant status came to light.  The six months old female puppy, a Miniature Pinscher named Kylie, had apparently arrived in Jersey two weeks before she was given to the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter for re-homing.  Once her foreign status was known and it was apparent from her accompanying documentation that she was not compliant with the rules and regulations for entering into the UK from a country outside of the UK, the Environment Department were immediately notified and it was requested that the puppy be placed into isolation, was examined by the acting Deputy States Veterinary Surgeon and her health be monitored.

The original owners of the puppy were approached by the appropriate authorities and had not realised that they had unwittingly contravened the PETS Travel Scheme (Jersey) Order 2003 and the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other mammals) (Jersey) Order 1976.  The Police are currently still investigating the matter.

The aim of the Law is to minimise the threat of introducing Rabies to Jersey.  This incident acts as a reminder to members of the public that such matters are very serious and can present a real danger of introducing serious diseases, such as rabies, to the Island, which would have potentially catastrophic effects on the animals of Jersey.

The puppy has been in good health at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter and, with permission from the Environment Department, it has been possible for the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter to transport her to St Malo where she has been found a new home via the St Malo SPCA.

ENDS