Authorities in the country are stepping up measures against illegal import of pet dogs, warning that such practices pose risks to public health, animal welfare, and national biosecurity. Since last year, the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, in coordination with the police, has intercepted two cases involving 13 smuggled puppies at the Phuentshogling border.
The Bhutan Food and Drug Authority recently issued a public notification after noting a rise in the illegal import of pet dogs, many of which were advertised on social media platforms, including TikTok.
The notification urges the public to follow all rules and regulations before importing pets.
Under Bhutan’s Livestock Rules and Regulations 2017, importing animals without a valid permit can result in fines equal to double the market value of the consignment. Intercepted animals are quarantined, and if disease-free, auctioned to the public, with proceeds going to government revenue.
Border authorities have intercepted multiple cases of illegally imported puppies from India, often hidden in vehicles or baskets.
In July last year, an individual was intercepted with 12 puppies hidden in a taxi at Rinchending Integrated Check Post. The puppies were of various breeds including Siberian Huskies, St. Bernard, Golden Retrievers, and a Shih Tzu. The importer was fined Nu 120,000, while the animals were quarantined in Paro before being auctioned.
More recently, another Golden Retriever puppy was found concealed in a basket last week at Phuentshogling border gate. The importer was fined Nu 14,000, and the puppy remains under quarantine.
The authority says tracking down online dealers has been difficult since most operate from across the border.
Dr Chendu Dorji, Chief Regulatory and Quarantine Officer of BFDA said, “People carrying the pet dogs are able to bypass duty personnel mainly because the Phuentsholing border gate is small and congested, making it difficult for police to inspect every incoming vehicle. In addition, numerous illegal entry points at the border facilitate the unlawful import of pets.”
He added that the legal import process is straightforward: documents are submitted for verification to the authority, a permit is issued, and all imported pets undergo quarantine for 15 days. Animals are clinically observed, tested, and vaccinated before being cleared for entry.
Currently, importers have to pay Nu 100 to 300 as application fee. For commercial purposes, Nu 500 per pet has to be paid as quarantine fee. For personal purposes, quarantine is done at individual’s homes while being monitored by officials.
To prevent illegal imports, the Department of Livestock has directed all veterinary hospitals and Gewog Livestock Extension Centres to strictly verify the source and ownership history of pet dogs before registration or providing services.
According to Dr Kinley Dorji, the national focal to the World Organisation for Animal Health, illegal pet imports could undermine the progress achieved under Bhutan’s Nationwide Accelerated Dog Population Management and Rabies Control Programme.
Dr Kinley Dorji, National Focal, World Organisation for Animal Health said, “Importing dogs from countries where rabies is common carries serious risks. It threatens animal welfare, increases free-roaming dogs, and could introduce rabies, especially from border areas with India that are considered rabies-endemic.”
He advises that imported puppies should be vaccinated, microchipped, and have lab results confirming rabies immunity to international standards. Puppies should wait at least three weeks post-vaccination before import.
According to an official from the National Veterinary Hospital, Bhutan currently has more than 40,000 pet dogs.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Kipchu
