Romanian & Other Overseas Rescues: Challenges Facing Welfare

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Importation of rescue dogs from overseas has skyrocketed since 2013 when the Romanian government announced a mass cull of stray dogs in Bucharest. Understandably, this news drew international attention & many UK rescuers wanted to help. Since then, countless dogs from overseas have found their ‘forever’ homes with families in the UK after being saved from inhumane shelters & brutal deaths. 

Whilst there are many heart-warming stories & responsible rescues, there are also associated serious welfare issues, most of which have occurred as a result of irresponsible & often ‘pop up’ rescues, importing dogs from abroad with no apparent accountability. These issues have only increased during the pandemic as demand for dogs soars. 

In this APDAWG event, we’ll be highlighting some of these important issues with a panel of animal welfare professionals, all who have experienced some of the problems associated with less responsible overseas rescues. 

For example, an ever-increasing number of ‘owner surrender’ applications involving foreign dogs who have no ‘rescue back-up’ (RBU) by the importing rescue, puts vulnerable dogs at risk of being passed from ‘pillar to post’, or worse still euthanasia; as well as putting added pressure on resources of rescues that take responsibility for dogs that importing rescues have failed to support. 

Along with these irresponsible & ‘pop up’ rescues, there also now appears to be an increasing number of transport companies that are not DEFRA-registered, importing an excessive amount of dogs in cramped & unsafe conditions. 

Furthermore, the operation of less responsible rescues brings risk of corners being cut, including control of serious diseases, both canine & zoonotic (transmitted from dogs to humans); with dogs coming from Europe, the Balkans, Africa, South Korea & China, the risk of disease being brought into the UK is another issue needing further discussion. 

Experienced canine behaviourists are reporting seeing an increase in number of foreign rescue dogs & new owners needing urgent help, particularly in relation to bite incidents, escaping from home, or resource-guarding; often due to the fact that these dogs have never been assessed in a home environment prior to being placed with unsuspecting & well-meaning families. 

In addressing these issues, the panel will discuss how we can help improve, 1) long-term welfare & safety of the dogs being imported into the UK, 2) knowledge available to general public about adopting foreign dogs from reputable, responsible rescues, 3) safety of existing dog & human population in UK, including  zoonotic risk, 4) accountability of importing rescues & transporters.

Panel of Experts includes: 

• Vicki Graham - South East Dog Rescue 
• Julia Baber - Animalcouriers Ltd
• Catherine Henstridge or 'Cat the Vet' - Small Animal & Media Vet  
• The K9 Angels - UK Charity Rehoming Dogs from Romania 
• Fermín Pérez - Scooby Shelter, Sanctuary & Rehoming, Spain
• Sabrina Lotz - Serbia's Forgotten Paws
• Mihaela Tanta – Sirius Animal Rescue, Romania 
• Hannah Molloy - Dog Behaviourist 
• Wendy Higgins - Humane Society International 
• Jordan Shelley - Behaviourist & Expert in Stray/Feral Dogs