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German Shepherd Found on Migrant Dinghy Sparks Border Force Adoption Talks

The dog, currently in quarantine under UK biosecurity laws, highlights unique challenges in Channel crossings and ignites debate over taxpayer costs.

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A German shepherd, such as this one, has been held in quarantine. The government insisted it took ‘biosecurity very seriously’

Overview

  • Border Force officials discovered a German Shepherd hidden among migrants crossing the English Channel in a dinghy, marking a first for UK border operations.
  • The dog is undergoing a mandatory 120-day quarantine at the Animal Inn in Deal, Kent, to prevent potential biosecurity risks like rabies.
  • Discussions are ongoing about adopting the German Shepherd as an official Border Force dog due to its trainable breed characteristics.
  • The dog's owner, an asylum seeker, is reportedly housed in a taxpayer-funded hotel, further fueling political criticism over immigration policies and associated costs.
  • Opposition figures, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philip, have condemned the quarantine expenses as excessive, calling it an example of failed border control policies.