JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

March 2006

MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BREAKING RABIES (JERSEY) ORDER

The owner of a young puppy that was disclaimed to the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter in December 2005 and which was found to be illegally landed in Jersey has pleaded guilty to breaking the Rabies (Importation of dogs, cats and other mammals) (Jersey) Order 1976.  The dog had been brought to Jersey last December on board a ferry.

Once it was established that the six months old female puppy, a Miniature Pinscher, which had arrived at the Shelter to be found a new home, was not compliant with the rules and regulations for entering into the UK from a country outside of the UK, the Police and the Environment Department were immediately notified and the puppy was 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 was carried out.

The original owner of the puppy, Mr Emanuel Oliveira da Graca, of the Esplanade, was traced and apparently had not realised that he had broken the Law and contravened regulations.  The Magistrate’s Court heard that Mr Oliveira da Graca did not realise he needed a license to import an animal and he was bound over to be of good behaviour for 12 months.

The aim of this Importation 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 remained in good health whilst she was staying at the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter.  Since the puppy was not compliant with the importation regulations, it was not possible for the puppy to remain on the Island.  However, due to the close working relationship that the JSPCA have with the St Malo SPCA, it has been possible to find a lovely new home for the puppy in France. 

ENDS