"It's like Deliveroo for dogs": charity calls for rescues to be regulated amid concerns over imported dogs
Many dogs with behavioural issues and infectious disease risks are being imported by unlicensed dealers online
Last updated 31st Jul 2025
An Essex charity that rehomes dogs is backing RSPCA calls on the government to regulate rescue organisations amid concerns over dogs imported from abroad.
Thousands of dogs are brought into the UK each year, many of which are being sold to owners via websites & social media posts without any significant matching process or assessment.
The RSPCA warns many of these dogs, delivered from countries such as Romania, Ukraine, and North Macedonia, have behavioural issues and infectious disease risks.
David Bowles, spokesman for the RSPCA, described the process as like a "Deliveroo for dogs" & urged the government to consider stronger regulation for the sector.
Jenna Miller runs an Essex-based dog rehoming charity called Spirit of the Dog Rescue.
Founded by behaviourists, the charity aims to prevent the need for surrender wherever possible by training dogs and owners together.
She tells Greatest Hits Radio she gets "hundreds" of calls every year from people who ordered an imported dog online.
"So many people tell me the dog they ordered was described as small to medium, only to have a huge livestock Guardian Shepherd-type delivered.
"Some of these people are in high-rise flats, don't want to turn the dog away, so end up in situations they can't manage.
"The dogs just end up miserable.
Hugo, pictured below, was given to first time owners off a van from Romania:
"The owners couldn't cope with him and locked him in a cage, muzzled him permanently and he was unable to eat properly so he lost over half of his body weight.
"The muzzle also took the skin and fur off his nose.
Hugo was taken in by a UK rescue because of his bite risk.
Currently, rescue organisations in Scotland must be licensed, but there is no such rule for England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Secret recording as part of a BBC investigation showed multiple rescues operating through social media were happy to provide a dog following a short phone call, completion of an application form & video check of their property.
This lack of preparation and vetting of owners is causing concern among experts who say there is no way people can know the temperament of the animals.
Ms Miller added many who then want to return their imported dog can't.
"Very commonly people rehome the dogs privately and the poor animal is passed around, sometimes until an incident happens, and they are euthanised.
"So many are brought here for a so-called better life, get passed around, and put to sleep."
Mr Bowles, from the RSPCA, says: "The RSPCA's major concern is these dogs are essentially ticking time bombs - coming over, not being health tested."
"Diseases are now coming in through these dogs.
"They're affecting not just the imported dogs, but also the dogs in this country and their owners."
The Animal Shelters (Licensing) Bill was introduced to Parliament by the Essex MP Richard Holden last month.
Representing Basildon and Billericay, Mr Holden said recent cases, including one in his own constituency where dozens of dogs were found dead, had “exposed a dangerous gap in the law”.
A trial date has been set for April 2026.
Defra has said it would outline more details of its “overarching approach” to animal welfare in due course, but stressed that rescue groups must meet existing legal requirements.
A Defra spokesperson said:
“We are a nation of animal lovers, and all rescue centres are required by law to ensure the welfare of the animals in their care.
“We encourage individuals to report any animal welfare concerns at rescue centres to their local authority.”