The documentary “Rescue Roulette: Dogs from Abroad” highlighted extreme cases of health issues faced by people adopting dogs from overseas, raising concerns about the risks involved. Lorraine Jardine of Islay Dog Rescue, which has rescued thousands of dogs since 2011, particularly from Romania, emphasized that these risks can be greatly minimized by ensuring proper and rigorous health testing. Islay Dog Rescue now uses thorough testing through the Animal and Plant Health Agency to screen for diseases like brucella canis, addressing worries raised by vets and countering the negative portrayal in the documentary.

Lorraine also stressed the importance of matching dogs with suitable adopters, noting that many people choose dogs based on photos and later find the fit unsuitable, sometimes asking rescues to take the dogs back. To prevent this, Islay requires prospective adopters to meet dogs multiple times before finalizing adoption, prioritizing the dogs’ wellbeing even if it means turning people away. Despite operating at limited capacity, the centre remains committed to responsible rescue and adoption practices to ensure the safety and happiness of both dogs and owners.