Hundreds of dogs face icy death in Bulgaria after Eurotunnel imposes travel ban

Hundreds of dogs face a cruel death on Bulgaria’s streets after Eurotunnel imposed a ban on groups of animals being taken across the Channel from France. The strays face being shot and poisoned, following the restriction on more than five pets being transported into the UK at once. The Street Hearts Bulgaria rescue programme has 40 dogs – which were due to be adopted by owners in the UK – that are now left in limbo. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle announced the move with immediate effect on Thursday, apparently in response to illegal puppy smuggling, leading to an outcry from animal rescue groups. Exceptions have been included for ‘Defra-approved transport’ and for groups with business accounts, but confusion surrounds trips from Calais.