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<p>HM Government made the difficult decision to extend the temporary suspension of
commercial cats, dogs, and ferrets (including rescue animals) dispatched or originating
from Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, and Poland to the 29<sup>th</sup> October 2022.</p><p>
</p><p>We understand the fluid situation at present due to the crisis and are aware
that Romania, Belarus and Poland are currently experiencing high volumes of animal
movements from Ukraine. Movements from these countries into Great Britain therefore
present a higher risk at the current time due to the flow of animals from Ukraine.</p><p>
</p><p>In particular, there is evidence to suggest that commercial consignments of
pet animals from Ukraine are being moved into Poland, Romania and Belarus, including
strays, rescue and abandoned animals.</p><p> </p><p>Unlike non-commercial pets accompanying
Ukrainian refugees, these animals often have unknown history and disease status which
increases the risk of disease spread.</p><p> </p><p>Our standards of biosecurity are
among the highest in the world. HM Government takes the importation of pets seriously
and is committed to preserving our high standards of biosecurity. The movement of
commercial pets from Belarus, Poland, Romania and Ukraine represents a clear and serious
enough biosecurity risk at the current time that we therefore consider the suspension
of these movements necessary to protect the health of people and pets in Great Britain.</p><p>
</p><p>This risk has been exacerbated further by serious cases of non-compliance.
There is a history of non-compliant movements of rescue animals into Great Britain
from this region, which further increases the biosecurity risk.</p><p> </p><p>We continue
to engage with competent authorities in impacted countries, the European Commission,
and external partners (including rescue and rehoming charities) to gather data and
information to enable us to keep the biosecurity risks in relation to the introduction
of rabies or the tapeworm <em>Echinococcus multilocularis </em>to Great Britain under
review and to assess the impact of the suspension. The measure is under constant review
based on the evidence provided to ensure it is targeted and proportionate to the risks
posed.</p><p> </p><p>HM Government appreciates the work of rescue and rehoming organisations
who work to ensure that unwanted and abandoned animals are given the opportunity to
find a forever home whilst complying with our animal health and welfare legislation.</p><p>
</p><p>That is why this is only a temporary measure, to ensure that we protect our
biosecurity at this challenging time. Given the consequences of getting this wrong,
I hope you will understand why we are being cautious.</p>
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