Reports Concerning Suspected Illegally Imported Pets

Request

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding reports of illegally imported pets within your council's jurisdiction. Specifically, I would like to request the following information for each calendar year from 2020 to the most recent year available:



1. The number of reports received by the council concerning suspected illegally imported pets.



2. The number of investigations conducted by the council into suspected illegally imported pets.



3. The number of cases where pets were found to have been illegally imported.



4. The number of illegally imported pets seized by the council.



5. If available, a breakdown of the most commonly investigated breeds.



If this information is held in a different format or by another authority, please advise on how I may obtain it. If any part of my request exceeds the cost limit, I would appreciate any guidance on refining the request to remain within limits.



Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe of 20 working days.

Decision

I can confirm that the information requested is held by Lincolnshire County Council. I have detailed below the information that is being released to you. 

 

1-4.

Year

Reports Received

Investigations Conducted

Found to have been illegally imported

Number of pets seized

2020

4

4

1
  • None authorised by Lincolnshire Trading Standards
  • 1 puppy destined for Lincolnshire placed in quarantine at Port of Entry.

2021

2

2

1
  • None authorised by Lincolnshire Trading Standards
  • 1 dog destined for Lincolnshire placed in quarantine at Port of Entry.

2022

10

10

3
  • All 3 found to be illegally imported had quarantine authorised by Lincolnshire Trading Standards (2 dogs, 1 cat). 1 released early as subsequent checks showed dog was compliant.
  • 3 cases where home isolation was authorised by Lincolnshire Trading Standards as part of the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme (5 dogs, 1 cat). 2 dogs released early as paperwork produced to show they were compliant.

2023

1

1

0
  • None

2024

6

6

2
  • None authorised by Lincolnshire Trading Standards
  • Detention notice served by Port of Entry on 4 dogs.
  • 7 dogs destined for Lincolnshire placed in quarantine at Port of Entry.

2025 (to 24/10/2025)

4

4

3
  • 2 cases where quarantine authorised by Lincolnshire Trading Standards (2 dogs)
  • 1 subject to isolation prior to intervention by Lincolnshire Trading Standards (x10 pigeons) 
 

 

 5.

Animal – where specified

Breed – where specified

30 dogs
  • 7 French Bulldogs
  • 4 unspecified mixed breeds
  • 3 whippets
  • 2 Pugs
  • 2 Maltese
  • 1 European Husky
  • 1 Pomeranian
  • 1 Poodle Cross
  • 1 American Bulldog
  • 1 German Shepherd
  • 1 Golden Retriever
  • 1 Bernese

3 cats
  • 1 Maine Coon

10 pigeons

 
Reference number
14102337
Date request received
13 October 2025
Date of decision
10 November 2025