Kentish Town puppy finally freed after being confiscated

A Kentish Town mother who warned about the risks of buying pets from abroad after a visit to the vet left her son’s new puppy impounded has had her dog returned - after paying a bill of more than £750.

Genice Gentry, 48, told the Ham&High last month her young son was left “in pieces” after their newly bought pug Alfie was taken from them by officials and sent to kennels in Heathrow.

It was discovered the confiscated puppy – originally from Lithuania but bought in the UK – may have been imported on false paperwork and did not have rabies vaccinations.

This was despite the dog having spent almost two weeks with government animal welfare officials on entry into Dover, who gave it a clean bill of health.

Having saved up for six months to buy the pup in the first place, Ms Gentry, a secretary of Oseney Crescent, said she had to borrow money to get him freed.

She said: “It’s been a real hardship and I still don’t see why I had to pay given the mistakes by the animal welfare officials.

“But we’re really pleased to get Alfie back again. My son is over the moon.”

Related article: Kentish Town mother warns against buying foreign pets after puppy is impounded