The BSAVA is highlighting the public consultation currently being carried out by Defra as part of its review of UK legislation concerning the Pet Travel Scheme, and encouraging members of the profession and clients to take part.

Specifically, the review is of The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011 as amended by the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (Amendment) Order 2014.

The consultation is seeking opinions on whether:

• the Order has met its objectives
• the Order's objectives remain appropriate; and if so,
• the Order's objectives could be achieved in a less cumbersome way.

The consultation is not about potential changes to the legalisation following Brexit although evidence collected as part of this review may be relevant to future discussions.

The BSAVA says it is aware that the changes to the Pet Travel Scheme, introduced in January 2012 and December 2014, have significantly increased the number of animals, particularly puppies, entering the UK including those for sale which should not be coming in under the Pet Travel Scheme.

It says it also knows that a significant number of veterinary practices have been presented with animals that do not fully comply with the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme and that contacting the appropriate department in the Local Authority is not always easy. 

The Association is therefore encouraging members of the profession to feed into this consultation and encourage any clients who have experience of travelling to and from Europe with their pets to do so as well.

The BSAVA says it will be submitting a response itself, and if anyone would rather send their comments via the BSAVA, you should email Sally Everitt (Head of Scientific Policy) s.everitt@bsava.com by 20th October.

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