Puppy Smuggling Surge Raises Rabies Fears A dramatic increase in the number of puppies crossing the border from eastern Europe into the UK is fuelling fears that rabies could return to Britain, a charity has warned. Dogs Trust has uncovered a "high level of corruption" and "shocking" animal welfare following its investigation into the trade of puppies from Hungary and Lithuania. Undercover footage shows vets creating false pet passports and rabies vaccination records. The charity said its findings show that the Pet Travel Scheme, which allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets to enter Britain without quarantine, was being abused by criminal breeders, vets and transporters. It revealed how under-age puppies slipped through the net undeclared due to a lack of checks at ferry ports and borders, enabling breeders to make up to £100,000 a year. Video: PM Promises Wild Animals Circus Ban It also found that some puppies are forced to make journeys of more than 1,000 miles in appalling conditions without suitable treatments or vaccinations, increasing the risk of spreading diseases such as rabies in the UK. Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust veterinary director, said: "While 'a dog is for life, not just for Christmas' remains our famous slogan, a puppy remains on the top of many wish lists. Unsuspecting British shoppers will continue to buy puppies online which may have been brought into the country illegally, meaning the risk of unknowingly bringing a puppy from eastern Europe with diseases and behavioural problems into the home is very real. Video: '40% Rise' In Animal Cruelty Cases The number of declared puppies entering Great Britain between 2011 and 2013 from Lithuania has increased by 780% and risen 663% from Hungary - this rise does not scratch the surface if you consider the number of puppies that are illegally smuggled and not accounted for in these figures. Dogs Trust is urging anyone considering a puppy to stop and think, 'Where on Earth is my dog coming from?' Buyers must be vigilant, as a puppy brought in from eastern Europe could cost far more than expected. Should a puppy be identified by your vet as an illegally landed foreign import, you could be faced with additional vet fees and have to pay for quarantine costs - we have seen first-hand dogs being abandoned for these reasons. Video: Rare Albino Lions Found In Raid Dogs Trust is calling on the Government to have a co-ordinated approach to the enforcement of the Pet Travel Scheme from ferry companies and Eurotunnel to government agencies. It also wants the introduction of a strict penalty charge and deterrent for those caught illegally bringing dogs into Britain.