UK taxpayers are reportedly set to pay thousands of pounds to care for a dog brought over by a migrant who crossed the English Channel in a dinghy. The German Shepherd is to spend at least 120 days in quarantine in one of six government-approved sites, which will include a full check-up with jabs and vaccinations to mitigate against the spread of infectious diseases like rabies, after arriving in Dover. It is believed to have been the first time a canine has been discovered on a small boat.

Kent’s only facility is The Animal Inn in Deal, five miles away, but a worker did not think the German Shepherd was among some dogs heard barking there. Staff are said to have been "astounded" at the sight. Its owner is believed to be staying in a hotel, also being paid for with public money. It is thought the dog will need months of care in kennels until its owner is processed, which could take years.

There have been discussions about adopting the animal as an official Border Force dog, according to The Sun.

Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice told the newspaper: “This country’s open borders policy is so porous even household pets are arriving.”

Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philip said: “Since taking office, we have seen nearly 36,000 illegal arrivals and now even dogs are making the crossing." He added: "It's barking mad."

A Government spokesman said: “The UK takes biosecurity very seriously. Where an animal comes from an unlisted country, it is placed in quarantine to prevent dangerous diseases like rabies coming into the country.

“We all want to see the end to dangerous boat crossings that undermine our border security and put lives at risk.”

A Home Office spokesperson said last week after the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said he had talked to countries about “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers as part of efforts to crack down on small boats crossing the Channel: “We are taking immediate action to drive down small boat numbers – now and in the future.

“This includes working with the French to enable their maritime forces to intervene in shallow waters to deter small boats before they can begin their journeys, new elite officers patrolling the French coast, and new intelligence and investigative units in Dunkirk who have already conducted operations where small boat equipment has been seized and people smugglers arrested.

“We are also introducing new laws which will boost our ability to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal gangs whilst strengthening the security of our borders.”