The unauthorised importation of veterinary medications into the UK not only breaches the law but also jeopardises the well-being of horses and exposes those involved to potential prosecution. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) recently reported multiple instances where equine products were confiscated due to lacking authoriszation for use in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
In four distinct incidents, authorities intercepted products such as respiratory supplements, wormers, skin balms, and joint supplements originating from countries like the USA and Serbia. These items lacked the requisite import authorisation and accompanying certification.
Importing such unauthorized veterinary medications contravenes legal statutes, and individuals may face enforcement measures from the VMD, including possible prosecution. VMD inspectors are empowered to confiscate unauthorised veterinary medicines, as well as additives and feeding pieces of stuff.
Former British Equine Veterinary Association president Dave Rendle emphasised the dangers of illegally importing equine medication. He underscored the potential harm to horses from unauthorised drug use and the dubious practices of companies engaged in such activities.
Rendle stressed the importance of obtaining veterinary prescriptions for medications and cautioned against purchasing drugs without a proper diagnosis from a qualified veterinarian. This approach ensures treatment suitability for the horse's condition and mitigates the risk of harm.
A VMD spokesperson echoed these concerns, warning that imported unauthorised veterinary medicines could be counterfeit or linked to organised crime. The VMD actively conducts seizures nationwide to address this issue, and individuals caught importing unauthorised medications face prosecution, with no maximum fine on summary conviction.