On Wednesday, November 5, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and Customs prevented a woman from smuggling 6 puppies into the country at Schiphol Airport. The woman had stuffed the young Pomeranians into her bag and attempted to leave the airport that way. Thanks to vigilant customs officers, the plan failed. The puppies were placed in quarantine at the suspects expense. The NVWA questioned the woman and filed an official report. It is expected that the suspect will have to appear in court in early 2026.
The woman, who holds both Hungarian and Russian nationality, began her journey with the dogs in Armenia and arrived at Schiphol via a flight from Athens. During the flight, 3 puppies were in a crate. The other 3 puppies were carried by the woman in her hand luggage. Once at Schiphol, she also placed the dogs from the crate into her bag. She left the crate empty behind. At that moment, Customs was already watching her. When the woman tried to leave the baggage hall via the so-called green channel, Customs checked her.
In court
The NVWA then took over the case. An NVWA veterinarian and inspectors discovered that the information in the puppies passports was probably incorrect. The woman also did not have the required health declarations and serological tests. After questioning, she was allowed to continue her journey. The NVWA is drawing up an official report. The Public Prosecution Service will summon her to court in early 2026.
Rabies occurs in Armenia. Therefore, it is important that dogs imported from that country are vaccinated against it. This is unclear for these Pomeranians, as the information in the dogs passports is probably incorrect. Therefore, the puppies were placed in quarantine at an expert shelter.
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