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A man and woman have been charged with bringing a kitten and five puppies – including two XL Bully cross breeds – into Guernsey illegally.
The 27- and 24-year-olds were charged by the Border Agency last Friday, after allegedly importing the animals in December 2023 and January this year.
A spokesperson for the GBA explained that it is a legal requirement to have an import licence, issued by the States Veterinary Officer, to bring animals into the island for commercial reasons.
As well as a licence needed for importing animals for commercial reasons, Guernsey’s legislation also requires a specific licence for the importation of restricted dog breeds. These licences are rarely granted, and when they are it is done so at the States Vet’s discretion.
Among the animals the pair were accused of importing illegally were two cross-breed puppies, composed of Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with American XL Bully - which require the specific licence authorised by the States Vet.
The Bully cross puppies have both been homed within the community and a spokesperson said the States Vet has been working closely with their new owners to support them and advise on their safe upbringing.
Pictured: The commercial import of animals requires a licence which is available at gov.gg.
While all animals need an import licence to be brought into Guernsey, there are 27 breeds of dog which need specific authorisation by the States Vet.
That list includes the American Bully and the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier as well as other breeds which are banned in the UK (but not explicitly banned here): the American pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the Dodo Argentina, and the Fila Brazileiro.
Anyone wanting to bring any of the 27 dogs on the list into the Bailiwick must complete an 'Application for a Licence to Import Live Animals and Animal Products'.
It was also confirmed last month that XL Bully dogs to require licensing for travel in and out of Jersey.
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