Soon rabies-free dogs and cats can join Bermudian humans by going into the fast lane whenever they travel to Britain.

And the freed-up quarantine laws in the UK will bring cheer to former Bermuda Governor Lord Waddington -- but two years too late.

Lord Waddington's Norfolk Terrier Basil, who lived with his master at Government House, literally went to the dogs when he was caged in quarantine.

Lord Waddington loved his pet so much that he took him home to Britain in 1997.

But kennel workers did not spot Basil's advanced cancer and he had to be put down.

UK to loosen pet quarantine A distraught Lord Waddington was quoted in British newspapers, calling for more lenient quarantine laws.

He said: "It seems completely abhorrent to us that our dog should be allowed in Bermuda five years ago after the most stringent tests and veterinary certification, then, having lived in a completely rabies-free country..should be subjected to six months' quarantine on his return to Britain.'' British Agriculture Secretary Jack Cunningham ordered a review of the laws, and they were finally changed yesterday.

The pets' passports will be introduced in 2001, with healthy dogs and cats being issued with microchips to allow them through customs. Pre-entry checks at ports and airports will begin in pilot schemes next year.

And the UK will now accept pets from the European Union and other rabies-free countries and islands, like Bermuda.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokeswoman Joanne MacPhee said the new law was an "enormous boon'' for Bermuda.

She said the move would relieve pressure on the Island's animal shelters, and help to reduce Bermuda's growing population of stray cats and dogs.

"It's amazing how many non-Bermudians adopt from the shelters here,'' she said.

"But all those British people who return home can now take their pets with them.

"The new pets' passport laws will change all that.'' She added that Bermuda's own quarantine laws were far less strict than the old regulations in the UK.

"At the moment, you can bring an animal here quite easily from Great Britain, as long as you meet the Agriculture and Fisheries Regulations,'' she said.

"That involves a number of vaccinations and a health examination. So we would not see a large influx of animals because of this UK law change.

"It will actually work the other way and help ease the burden on our shelters and stray population.'' She said SPCA kennels and the Bermuda Feline Assistance Bureau would benefit most from the new laws.

But current Governor Thorold Masefield should not be affected -- he does not have a dog.