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<p>Engagement at the border with major transport carriers has indicated that they
are committed to preventing illegal imports of pet animals. Some carriers have already
instituted their own measures to reduce carriage of pet animals. This includes P&O
Ferries refusing accounts to commercial dog importers and Eurotunnel limiting the
number of dogs that can be transported in one vehicle. Carriers have been willing
to work with us to increase enforcement through additional training, checks and controls.</p><p>Each
carrier is subject to quality assurance checks including a minimum of one full audit
per year to ensure compliance with the procedures agreed with the Animal and Plant
Health Agency (APHA) set out in the carriers’ Required Method of Operation (RMOP).
The number of quality assurance visits is based on volumes, results of previous visits,
performance and any high risk considerations. Furthermore, APHA field teams carry
out liaison visits and are in regular communication with carriers. If any non-compliance
is found, extra checks will be completed as part of recorded follow-on actions.</p><p>Observations
made by APHA on pet travel, including levels of compliance and carrier knowledges
and behaviours, show good awareness of pet travel rules.</p>
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