UAE vets warn against buying dogs imported from puppy farms

They say imported puppies are at risk of spreading disease if they are younger than stated on pet passports.

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DUBAI // Vets are warning against buying imported dogs from puppy farms in Hungary or Ukraine, as the animals may be vulnerable to life-threatening diseases.

Dr Mehdi Mzabi, a vet at Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic, said dogs younger than four months were not old enough to have had effective vaccinations.

“A lot of dogs are coming in too young,” he said. “They have been vaccinated but have not received a second shot to fully protect them. Most of the dogs we see are coming from Hungary or Ukraine, and we don’t believe the vaccinations to be accurate. When we see the passport is from those countries, we advise owners to get the dog revaccinated.”

Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi volunteer Dr Susan Aylott is working on a report to submit to government in the hope of getting tighter regulations and enforcement, as well as education for staff on how to treat animals.

“I’ve visited pet shops and markets where sick rabbits are being sold alongside healthy ones,” she said.Dr Aylott is working on a report on animal welfare to submit to government officials in a bid to enact change.

“Vaccination books are often suspect and that puts other animals at risk. There needs to be more inspections and enforcement. Many people are not trained to look after the animals.”

nwebster@thenational.ae