Cornwall Trading Standards officials are warning the public about the dangers of buying animals over the internet following an alert that three smuggled opposums could have been sent to South East Cornwall.

Short tailed opposums found during a raid on a pet shop in the Midlands had been illegally imported into the UK and were being sold online. 

The animals had no import papers and no rabies vaccinations which meant they could have been infected with rabies, and may even have been stolen from a natural wild environment.

Cornwall Council’s Quality Standards and Animal Health team raided a property in Lostwithiel on the hunt for the animals, but none were found and it became apparent they had not been delivered to Cornwall. 

If discovered, the opposums would have been quarantined for four months, at the expense of the owner - a cost of over £2,500.

Within the last 12 months Cornwall Council has investigated five cases of illegally imported animals, several of which have included pet animals bought over the internet, and have resulted in stays in quarantine and large vet bills.

Cornwall Trading Standards Manager Jane Tomlinson said: ’Smuggled or illegally imported mammals have a very high risk of being infected with rabies. 

’This is often a fatal disease in humans, and is always fatal to animals. 

’I urge everyone not to buy animals over the internet, and ensure you see the parents of any young animals before purchase. If animals are taken from the wild there is also a risk to the future conservation of species.’

Animals imported into the UK must comply within The Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011.