FOLLOWING a recent report published by Dogs Trust, WEST Devon animal charity Margaret Green Animal Rescue is calling on new dog owners to make sure they have the correct and legal paperwork when adopting a new dog or puppy.

The report investigates the illegal entry of dogs in Great Britain under the Pet Travel Scheme. While the report focuses on the commercial puppy smuggling of Eastern European breeders and dealers, it serves a shocking reminder about the importance of making sure your new pet entered the country legally.

Rescue organisations that rescue dogs from countries other than the UK, such as Ireland and Eastern European countries must abide by strict regulations. The dogs must have a pet passport, a microchip, vaccination against rabies, have waited 21 days after rabies vaccination and be treated for tapeworm.

Dogs entering the UK fo commercial import (in most cases, charities would be considered commercial under law) should have also come from a holding or business in the EU county of origin and must have a health certificate for each group of more than five dogs.

Each animal must be listed and a vet must have carried out a clinical examination of each animal ensuring that they are fit to travel.

Matt Devereux, trustee at Margaret Green Animal Rescue, said: 'Alarmingly, these regulations are not always met which leads to huge welfare and health risks both for the dogs involved and also the people. Imported dogs adopted through any rescue organisation should be fully legal and adopters should demand copies of the relevant paperwork prior to adoption.'

From December 29 any pet passport issued will require the name and address of the owner and details of the vet who has issued the passport and a 'valid from' date for the rabies vaccinations.

Margaret Green Animal Rescue wished to stress that adopting a dog or puppy is a huge commitment and taking on a new animal is not a decision to be taken lightly.

The majority of dogs rescued by Margaret Green Animal Rescue have been abandoned or found as strays in the Dorset and Devon areas. If you are interested in rehoming a rescue dog, call Wingletang on 01822 810215 or visit http://www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk">www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk