Manx law will formally reflect progress concerning the movement of pets between EU member states if Tynwald approval is given this month.
The introduction of the EU pet travel scheme – ‘PETS’ – has made it cheaper and easier for British Isles’ citizens to make return journeys to countries abroad with pet dogs, cats and ferrets.
Due to it sharing a common travel area with the UK, the updated scheme has been in operation in the Island for some time.
However, to formalise the scheme in Manx law, Tynwald is being asked to support the Non Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2016.
The scheme still requires owners to ensure pets are micro-chipped, have rabies vaccinations, have an official ‘pet passport’, and to have had the relevant blood tests if travelling from certain non-EU countries. Dogs must also be treated for tapeworm before returning to the British Isles.
The measures have no effect on the free movement of pet dogs, cats and ferrets within Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
The Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 2016 will also go before Tynwald this month.
It will update legislation preventing the introduction of the disease into the Island through controls and licencing of the landing of rabies-susceptible mammals other than those in the PETS scheme.
DEFA’s power to detain, confine and destroy such animals is unaltered by the proposed order.
Meanwhile, via the Trade in Animal and Related Products Order (TARP) 2016, Tynwald will be asked to consolidate various pieces of legislation to ensure continued controls on the movement of live animals and animal products between EU member states and further afield.
