PETA Calls for Expat Animal Companions to be Allowed Swift Entry into Australia from Gulf States
As Australian citizens flee conflict in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), companion animals are being abandoned.
People are leaving dogs and cats on the streets, in the desert, and outside overwhelmed rescue centres because they say they are unable to take animals with them, as Australia’s pet import rules require several time-sensitive steps before animals can travel. Currently, it takes at least six months to bring an animal into Australia from the UAE. Animals must spend 180 days in an “approved” country awaiting rabies clearance, receive mandatory immunisations, and quarantine for 10 to 30 days on arrival. As a result of regulations in Australia and other countries, many are reportedly leaving their beloved companions – who are entirely dependent on their human guardians for survival – behind. Animal shelters across the Gulf region are reportedly “overwhelmed”.
PETA’s message to the public is clear: never abandon your animal companion. Authorities must also help make this possible, which is why PETA is urging the Australian government to temporarily relax these rules to allow animals to travel swiftly.
While we recognise the importance of adhering to health measures, there are alternatives that allow animals to travel safely. In fact, similar alternatives were previously implemented by some countries at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, and France has already relaxed their restrictions during this conflict.
“Animals do not start wars and yet, they are often victims of them,” we state in our letter to the Minister for the Department of Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry, asking her to relax Australian regulations to allow people to travel to enter the country with their animal companions.
France Relaxes Restrictions Allowing Dogs and Cats to Return from Gulf Countries with their Human Guardians
The French Ministry of Agriculture has waived its strict regulations on importing dogs and cats from 13 countries until 30 April, introducing a temporary emergency procedure allowing certain animals to enter France, even if they do not fully meet the usual EU import requirements.
This means that people fleeing conflict in the Gulf will be able to bring their companion animals to their home country more easily. The Australia government should follow suit!
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