VIKTOR MOLNAR FROM DARTFORD ILLEGALLY IMPORTS PUPPIES FROM HUNGARY, VIOLATING UK RABIES LAWS

Viktor Molnar, a veterinarian based at the Darenth Fishing Complex in Dartford, became the subject of legal action after he was found to have bypassed strict rabies regulations by illegally importing puppies from Hungary into the United Kingdom. His actions raised serious concerns about animal health and safety, as well as the legality of the pet trade.

Molnar, who presented himself as a mobile veterinary practitioner, pleaded guilty to multiple offences under the Rabies Order 1974 and the Animal Health Act 1981. Additionally, he was convicted of breaching the Pet Animals Act 1951 for operating a pet shop without the necessary licensing, using his premises for commercial purposes without proper authorization.

The case came to light after a retired teacher from Renfrewshire, Scotland, purchased a miniature dachshund puppy named Janet from Molnar for £700. Shortly after the journey from Bury, the puppy exhibited signs of illness, prompting the new owner to contact Molnar to request a copy of the animal’s pet passport. Concerned about the puppy’s health, she took Janet to a veterinarian in Paisley, where the puppy was estimated to be between eight and twelve weeks old. This was significantly younger than the age indicated on the vaccination card provided with the puppy.

Further investigation revealed that the puppy was too young to have been legally imported into the UK, as the vaccination records did not include a rabies vaccination or tapeworm treatment, both of which are mandatory for imported animals. The local authorities in Bury were notified, and the puppy was subsequently quarantined to prevent any potential spread of disease. The authorities also contacted the council in Renfrewshire to coordinate efforts and ensure compliance with import regulations.

In February 2016, an animal health inspector visited Molnar’s residence in Dartford, where he discovered four adult dogs and five miniature ‘teacup’ dachshund puppies. The inspection revealed that the puppies had arrived the night before via van, with Hungarian-issued pet passports. However, veterinary advice indicated that the puppies were under 12 weeks old, contrary to the 17 weeks suggested by their passports. This discrepancy raised serious concerns, as puppies under 12 weeks are generally too young to be vaccinated and legally imported into the UK.

As a result, the puppies were quarantined, and Bury Licensing Service launched a formal investigation into Molnar’s activities. The authorities also contacted the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to assess Molnar’s fitness to continue practicing as a veterinarian. The investigation highlighted that Molnar had purchased the puppies online and arranged their transport into the UK, which was in direct violation of animal import laws designed to prevent the spread of rabies and other diseases.

Angela Lomax, head of trading standards and licensing at Bury Council, expressed her concerns about the ongoing illegal importation of underage and unvaccinated puppies. She emphasized that such puppies are often transported under deplorable conditions and are sold through online advertisements to unsuspecting members of the public, posing significant health risks.

In sentencing, Viktor Molnar received a community order requiring him to complete 270 hours of unpaid work. He was also disqualified from operating a pet shop or providing boarding facilities for a period of ten years. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £2,686.93 in compensation to the woman who purchased Janet and £2,500 in court costs. The case underscored the seriousness of illegal puppy imports and the importance of strict enforcement of animal welfare laws.

In August 2018, Molnar was formally struck off the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ register after being deemed unfit to practice veterinary medicine. The disciplinary committee concluded that Molnar’s actions prioritized material interests over the welfare of animals and public safety, posing a significant risk to the health of the puppies involved. The committee determined that only the removal of his name from the register could adequately address the severity of his misconduct, effectively ending his veterinary career.