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Snakes, horses and frogs among millions of animals passing through Heathrow Airport every year

Approximately 19,000 dogs and cats, 28 million fish, 400 horses, 2,000 birds, 50 zoo animals and 150,000 reptiles are imported through the UK's largest airport.

Niamh Lynch

News reporter

Thursday 10 August 2023 20:03, UK

Chris an Animal Attendant Supervisor holds a female bower constrictor at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. Each year approximately 14,000 dogs and cats, 400 horses, 100,000 reptiles, 1,000 birds and 28 million fish are imported through Heathrow Airport in London. Picture date: Thursday August 10, 2023.
Image: An animal attendant holds a female boa constrictor
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Snakes, horses and frogs are among the millions of animals passing through Heathrow Airport every year.

Approximately 19,000 dogs and cats, 28 million fish, 400 horses, 2,000 birds, 50 zoo animals and 150,000 reptiles are imported through the UK's largest airport.

Iona an Animal Attendant holds an adult white tree frog at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. Each year approximately 14,000 dogs and cats, 400 horses, 100,000 reptiles, 1,000 birds and 28 million fish are imported through Heathrow Airport in London. Picture date: Thursday August 10, 2023.
Image: An adult white tree frog is held by an attendant

Each animal is taken from its flight to the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre where they are inspected.

The animals are provided with temporary accommodation while paperwork and shipments are checked. They can then be reunited with their owners.

The facility, owned and operated by the City of London Corporation, can hold any animal species.

It works with airlines to ensure animals are well cared for and meet the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme, which allows them to travel easily without undergoing quarantine.

Michael Gallo a lead senior veterinary inspector for AHVLA holds a Starfish at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. Each year approximately 14,000 dogs and cats, 400 horses, 100,000 reptiles, 1,000 birds and 28 million fish are imported through Heathrow Airport in London. Picture date: Thursday August 10, 2023.
Image: Michael Gallo, a lead senior veterinary inspector, holds a starfish
Michael Gallo a lead senior veterinary inspector for AHVLA holds a Clown fish at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. Each year approximately 14,000 dogs and cats, 400 horses, 100,000 reptiles, 1,000 birds and 28 million fish are imported through Heathrow Airport in London. Picture date: Thursday August 10, 2023.
Image: A clownfish at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre

On Thursday, there was also an adult white tree frog, a boa constrictor, a royal python, a clownfish, a starfish and a neon marine fish at the centre.

An owner is reunited with his Springer Spaniels at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre. Each year approximately 14,000 dogs and cats, 400 horses, 100,000 reptiles, 1,000 birds and 28 million fish are imported through Heathrow Airport in London. Picture date: Thursday August 10, 2023.
Image: An owner is reunited with his springer spaniels

Springer spaniels, a German shepherd, a pug and a corgi were among the species of dog also being inspected.

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