To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for his assessment of domestic animals being brought into Northern Ireland from Eastern Europe, potentially via a third country.

In light of the current situation in Ukraine there is the potential for refugees to come to Northern Ireland (NI) with their pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) via Eastern Europe which may not be fully compliant with pet travel rules. There have been discussions with both Defra and DAFM to determine their emergency arrangements for pet movements of this kind. The recent announcement regarding the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme across the UK is likely to increase the potential for the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in NI some of whom, it is expected, will arrive with pets.

Ukraine is recognised as an unlisted third country with regards to the EU Pet Travel Regulations 576/2013. As you will be aware, this legislation is still in place in NI as a result of the NI Protocol and Withdrawal Agreement. Retained EU law in Great Britain (GB) following the end of the transition period also means that for the most part, the requirements as laid out in that legislation are also applicable for entry. This means pets moving from Ukraine to the EU, GB or NI require:

a microchip;

a rabies vaccination;

a successful blood test taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination;

An EU pet passport or a single use EU animal health certificate;

Tapeworm treatment for dogs;

to wait 3 calendar months from the date the blood sample was taken before travelling; and

to enter the EU (including NI) through a Travellers’ Point of Entry.

NI has long held rabies-free status which we value highly and wish to protect. We also have strong biosecurity measures in place to protect the public and other animals from diseases which can be brought to NI by animals from overseas.

I do, however, recognise the difficult and distressing situation that refugees from Ukraine currently face and that individuals in these circumstances would not have had time to complete the correct health preparations to travel with their pets. DAERA has put special arrangements in place to facilitate the non-commercial movement of pets with their owners from Ukraine. Pets will be allowed to travel with their owners even if the pet is non-compliant or has missing documentation.

People travelling to NI from Ukraine are asked to pre-notify, where possible, via email. On arrival a compliance check will be carried out to determine the status of the animal. Fully compliant animals will be allowed to enter as normal and proceed to their destination. Should an animal be non-compliant DAERA will make arrangements for quarantine and the necessary health preparations in order to meet compliance with the legislation. DAERA will cover the costs of any necessary health preparations, quarantine stay and approved transportation to quarantine destination for the pets.