London - The British government announced yesterday that it is considering proposals to scrap quarantine for pets entering the UK from Europe and to replace it with animal "passports".
The Agriculture Minister, Mr Nick Brown, said a microchip would be inserted under the skin of each pet so it could be identified by an electronic scanner at ports and airports.
Animals would have to be vaccinated against rabies and deloused, and owners would have to produce certificates to prove the pet had been checked by a vet within the 24 hours before entering the UK.
The proposals are contained in a report by an independent group of experts led by Mr Ian Kennedy, professor of health law, ethics and policy at University College, London.