Rabies rules restrict rescue team

A Leicestershire dog rescue team says it will not attend more overseas disaster areas until quarantine rules are relaxed.

Dogs must be isolated for six months on return and handlers are unwilling continually to put them through it.

The group, which works with the fire service, said more dogs could have been taken to the scene of the South Asia earthquake if rules were relaxed.

Defra said the region was high-risk for rabies so dogs had to be quarantined.

I'm really torn - I've attended many earthquakes and I know how good the dogs are Chris Pritchard, rescue worker

Chris Pritchard, went to help with the South Asia earthquake, but did not take his dogs Gemma and Elliot, which are experts at finding people trapped in collapsed buildings.

He said: "I took a conscious effort this time not to take Elliot or Gemma due to the fact that Gemma has done two tours in quarantine - that's 12 months out of her life and Elliot has done one stretch.

"I'm really torn - I've attended many earthquakes and I know how good the dogs are.

"However, I know the dogs will be locked away for six months, so I have to balance that with losing the dogs for six months, as well as in case there is work in the UK.

"It really does upset you, because these dogs are some of the most experienced in the country at carrying out this type of work and I know if we can get the opportunity we will find people alive and trapped in buildings.

The World Health Organisation has recommended relaxing the rules, providing rescue dogs are tested and vaccinated.