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| Fact
box |
A
total of 12,500 pets have been admitted into Britain under the
scheme in 10 months.
About 1,800 cats and 10,700 dogs. |
The government
is to extend the pet passport scheme to another 28 rabies free countries.
It means that dog and cat owners will be able to take their pets
abroad through South coast ports.
An Alsatian
dog made history last year when he was allowed to go to France with
his owner, and return to Portsmouth.
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What
is Rabies ?
Rabies
is spread by a virus which attacks the brain. Symptoms include
fever, violent spasms, panic, hallucinations and coma, leading
eventually to death.
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Animal welfare
groups have welcomed todays news, although the RSPCA says that about
12% of pets are being refused entry to Britain under the existing
scheme because of inadequate treatment for parasites.
An animal landed
illegally may be destroyed and its owner, if successfully prosecuted,
faces up to a year's imprisonment or an unlimited fine.
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| The microchip
reader used to identify pets. |
The scheme operates
on Calais to Dover sea routes, Eurotunnel Shuttle Services, certain
sea routes into Portsmouth from France, some air routes into Heathrow
from Europe, and now worldwide.
Pets must first
be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, blood tested and issued
with a PETS certificate before travel.
| Fact
box |
| Other
animals susceptible to rabies which still have to go into quarantine
for six months include chinchillas, guinea pigs, hamster, mice,
rabbits and rats. |
To return to
the UK, pet-owners need a veterinary certificate to show their animal
has been treated against ticks and tapeworms and to sign a declaration
that their pet has not been outside the PETS countries in the last
six months.
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