RSPCA calls for dog rescue organisation licensing

A leading animal charity has called on the UK government to introduce mandatory licensing for all dog rescue organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The warning comes as concerns grow over behavioural issues and disease threats in imported pets, many of which arrive with little-to-no vetting of owner suitability.

Thousands of dogs are brought into the UK each year from countries such as Romania, Ukraine and North Macedonia. Most are advertised and sold through social media platforms and online marketplaces, often promising home delivery without any in-depth assessment of either the dogs’ needs or the new owners’ readiness.

– Analysis of 150 adverts on Facebook and a major pet marketplace showed the majority featuring Eastern European rescues.
– Around half of these listings offered doorstep delivery of dogs straight to the purchaser’s home.
– Rescue groups typically request only a short phone call, a basic application form and a quick video tour of the property before agreeing the handover.

David Bowles, spokesman for the RSPCA, likened the current system to a food-delivery app. “They’ve almost set up a Deliveroo for dogs and that is a real problem,” he said. “These dogs are essentially ticking time bombs – coming over, not being health tested. Diseases are now coming in through these dogs. They could affect the dogs already here and their owners.”

Despite many operators being motivated by goodwill and complying with transport and import paperwork, experts warn that:

– Previous behaviour and temperament of the dogs are unknown.
– Long flights and stressful journeys can exacerbate fear and aggression.
– New owners lack reliable information to manage training and socialisation.

Scientists are especially concerned about Brucella canis, a bacterial infection transmissible from dogs to humans. In dogs, it often causes reproductive and joint problems; in people, it can present as flu-like symptoms or lead to longer-term bone and joint complications.

– Prior to 2020, only three canine cases were known in the UK.
– By 2024, 333 investigations into suspected infections had been opened, including at least one confirmed case in a dog owner.
– There is no routine health screening for imported rescue dogs beyond standard

Currently, only Scotland requires dog rescue organisations to hold a licence. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are no mandatory fit-and-proper-person checks, home inspections or post-placement follow-ups for imported dogs.

According to the BBC report, a government spokesperson has acknowledged the concerns and said it will review the RSPCA’s recommendations in the coming months.