This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/27/jean-claude-juncker-seeks-deal-on-free-movement-of-pets

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Jean-Claude Juncker seeks deal on free movement of pets Jean-Claude Juncker seeks deal on free movement of pets
(4 months later)
While negotiators frantically thrash around for a solution to the Irish border or a trade deal that will avoid economic armageddon, Jean-Claude Juncker has kept his eye on another big Brexit issue.While negotiators frantically thrash around for a solution to the Irish border or a trade deal that will avoid economic armageddon, Jean-Claude Juncker has kept his eye on another big Brexit issue.
The European commission president, the proud owner of a pooch called Plato, has taken a personal interest in the fate of the pet passport scheme, under which animals in good health can be exempted from going into quarantine as they travel around Europe.The European commission president, the proud owner of a pooch called Plato, has taken a personal interest in the fate of the pet passport scheme, under which animals in good health can be exempted from going into quarantine as they travel around Europe.
With a no-deal scenario looking increasingly likely, Mina Andreeva, a commission spokeswoman, disclosed that advice to pet owners would be published in the coming months, after Juncker highlighted the urgency of the matter “several times”.With a no-deal scenario looking increasingly likely, Mina Andreeva, a commission spokeswoman, disclosed that advice to pet owners would be published in the coming months, after Juncker highlighted the urgency of the matter “several times”.
Plato, who was rescued from a Greek island by a German organisation, lives with Juncker in his home country of Luxembourg, where, the commission president has joked, Plato ignores commands because he has yet to master French.Plato, who was rescued from a Greek island by a German organisation, lives with Juncker in his home country of Luxembourg, where, the commission president has joked, Plato ignores commands because he has yet to master French.
“This is indeed an important issue that we take seriously and will require preparedness,” Andreeva said.“This is indeed an important issue that we take seriously and will require preparedness,” Andreeva said.
“I think President Juncker, having personally mentioned the issue several times, then it is something that is very close to his heart, so we are not only for the free movement of people, but for the free movement of pets.”“I think President Juncker, having personally mentioned the issue several times, then it is something that is very close to his heart, so we are not only for the free movement of people, but for the free movement of pets.”
Currently a dog, cat or even a pet ferret travelling from the UK to the EU and back again can do so without being quarantined, as long as they have a passport and have been microchipped.Currently a dog, cat or even a pet ferret travelling from the UK to the EU and back again can do so without being quarantined, as long as they have a passport and have been microchipped.
The passports prove an animal has been vaccinated against rabies, had a blood test to check the inoculation has worked, and been dewormed.The passports prove an animal has been vaccinated against rabies, had a blood test to check the inoculation has worked, and been dewormed.
But 250,000 British cats and dogs, and many more from the rest of Europe, may need to be locked up for a period each time they travel after Brexit, should the negotiations between the UK and EU end in failure. P&O Ferries alone carries more than 20,000 pets a year from Dover to Calais.But 250,000 British cats and dogs, and many more from the rest of Europe, may need to be locked up for a period each time they travel after Brexit, should the negotiations between the UK and EU end in failure. P&O Ferries alone carries more than 20,000 pets a year from Dover to Calais.
Last year, the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, admitted: “A failure of the negotiations would have many consequences, including the ability of dogs and cats to cross the Channel.”Last year, the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, admitted: “A failure of the negotiations would have many consequences, including the ability of dogs and cats to cross the Channel.”
The UK environment secretary, Michael Gove, who owns a bichon frise called Snowy and a Lhasa Apso/wire-haired dachshund cross called Muffin, has insisted there will not be a problem, even if Brexit talks fail.The UK environment secretary, Michael Gove, who owns a bichon frise called Snowy and a Lhasa Apso/wire-haired dachshund cross called Muffin, has insisted there will not be a problem, even if Brexit talks fail.
Jean-Claude JunckerJean-Claude Juncker
BrexitBrexit
European UnionEuropean Union
Michel BarnierMichel Barnier
European commissionEuropean commission
PetsPets
Dogs
newsnews
Share on FacebookShare on Facebook
Share on TwitterShare on Twitter
Share via EmailShare via Email
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn
Share on PinterestShare on Pinterest
Share on Google+Share on Google+
Share on WhatsAppShare on WhatsApp
Share on MessengerShare on Messenger
Reuse this contentReuse this content