New Eurotunnel animal restriction a 'death sentence' for thousands of rescue dogs, warns Rotherham rescuer

The Eurotunnel’s decision to limit the number of animals that can be transported by one person from 20 to five will be a ‘death sentence’ for thousands of rescue dogs around the world, a Rotherham rescue group has said.
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Debbie Fryer, founder of Adoptapaws, says that many groups like hers were given no advanced warning about the ruling which came into effect on Thursday, November 20 and sparked outrage across social media from rescue charities and prospective adopters alike.

In an update on Friday, the Eurotunnel said the move was to address animal welfare concerns and that the restrictions will not apply to DEFRA approved transport booked by registered charities.

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Debbie Fryer says the ruling by the Eurotunnel remains unclear and could be a 'death sentence' to thousands of dogs waiting to be rehomed in the UKDebbie Fryer says the ruling by the Eurotunnel remains unclear and could be a 'death sentence' to thousands of dogs waiting to be rehomed in the UK
Debbie Fryer says the ruling by the Eurotunnel remains unclear and could be a 'death sentence' to thousands of dogs waiting to be rehomed in the UK
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Over the past two years, Debbie and her partner James have rescued dogs from the streets or kill shelters in countries including Cyprus, Germany and Bosnia.

The former veterinary nurse says that while the move may help deter unscrupulous puppy farmers, it will put dozens of dogs at risk of euthanasia and harm small rescue groups whose income prevents them becoming an official charity.

“When we got to pet passport on Saturday morning, one of the managers did say that the initial message that went out was very sketchy and that it shouldn’t have been put out how it was,” Debbie said.

"What they are trying to stop is puppy farming, you see so many vans out there moving people’s furniture or belongings but then at the bottom of the pile in the van is one or two crates with dogs in.

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"Obviously this is not how it should be in practice but by the decision that they’ve made at the moment, it’s put death sentences on a lot of rescue dogs.”

It is believed that meetings are now underway to clarify the Eurotunnel’s position and an updated animal travel policy is set to be released in due course.

Debbie added: “Once again we’ve got another 20 dogs at jeopardy because if the rescuers can’t get them out, they can’t take more in from the streets.

"If the rescuers are stuck with dogs that can’t travel, at the end of the day although they care and it does break their hearts, the only alternative they’ll have is to return the dogs back to the streets.”

To support a petition against the Eurotunnel’s measures click here.