Thank you for contacting me about the importation of animals from Eastern Europe and specifically rescue dogs.
I am aware that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is concerned about the commercial movement of animals between or from Ukraine and neighbouring countries and the health risk that presents. The UK has been rabies free for 100 years and the movement of large numbers of rescue animals entering Great Britain from high-risk rabies countries, without the correct health preparations, presents serious risks to biosecurity and public health.
Due to these concerns, and to ensure that the UK can prioritise those fleeing Ukraine with their own pets, Defra has temporarily suspended all commercial imports of dogs, cats and ferrets originating in or dispatched from Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Romania until at least 3 September 2022. It is my understanding that this does not apply to pets, as these are considered “non-commercial”. While I appreciate your concerns, I know that Ministers consider these special measures to be absolutely necessary in order to contain the risk to human and animal health.
I know that the Government appreciates the work of genuine rescue and rehoming organisations who work to ensure that unwanted and abandoned animals are given the opportunity to find a forever home while importantly complying with the UK's animal health and welfare legislation. It is important to note that this is a temporary measure which will be reviewed in due course. Ministers encourage organisations which are temporarily unable to import rescue dogs, cats, and ferrets into Great Britain to provide help and assistance to animals in situ.