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<p><br></p><p>The Government takes the illegal importation of puppies seriously and
does put in place deterrents to the illegal import of puppies into the United Kingdom
Control Zone at Coquelles. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is responsible
for ensuring there are effective controls to prevent illegal movements into the Control
Zone. APHA require approved carriers, in the case of Coquelles, Eurotunnel, to check
100% of animals travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme for compliance before they
are permitted to enter the Control Zone. There is a formal agreement in place which
details how Eurotunnel must carry out this function.</p><p><br></p><p>APHA has always
carried out periodic inspections in the Control Zone to ensure that the carrier company’s
checks are effective. Our approach to these pet animal checks and compliance monitoring
has not changed. In addition APHA has also worked with carriers on specific intelligence
led operations to identify and seize illegally imported puppies. APHA works with all
carriers approved to transport pet animals and is currently in discussion on proposals
to strengthen the effectiveness of the checks they are required to carry out.</p><p><br></p><p>
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