Quarantine kennel is investigated

A privately-owned quarantine kennel in Kent is being investigated by the government, it has been revealed.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said an inspection found discrepancies in the kennel's rabies vaccination documents.

It said Animal Health was trying to trace at least 20 animals that had been kept at the kennel to make sure they did not leave the premises prematurely.

It said there was no suggestion any had rabies or any other exotic disease.

It said any pets with incomplete rabies vaccination records would be vaccinated as a precaution, and the kennel would not be accepting any animals until the investigation had been completed.

'Disease risk'

Chief veterinary officer Nigel Gibbens said: "We are investigating a case of poor administration at a quarantine premises.

"However, there is no suggestion that animals that are or have been in the quarantine have shown signs of rabies.

"Animal Health will contact the owners of animals to check that they have not left the facility prematurely and to ensure that they do not pose a disease risk."

Defra said any pet owners who had concerns about their animal over the incident should contact their local vet.