Some families have been panic-buying pets amid fears they’ll be banned from importing dogs from January 1.Leading vet Andrew Madeiros said Government’s failure to confirm whether or not it will introduce the ban has led to people flouting the traditional warning not to buy puppies as Christmas presents.Dr Madeiros says he knows of at least four families importing the animals now just in case they’re not allowed to bring them in early next year.Government veterinary officer Jonathan Nisbett reportedly wants to block puppies and kittens from the UK when that country relaxes its rabies regulations on New Year’s Day.Campaigners say they have still not been granted a meeting with Environment Minister Marc Bean to discuss whether this will actually happen.SPCA chairman Dr Madeiros told The Royal Gazette: “We haven’t heard anything further from Government, so we’re still trying to get some clarification on the official position.“But January 1 is just around the corner now. Lots of people are thinking about getting dogs in the next few months, but they just don’t know whether they’ll be able to.“I have taken calls from people that were thinking about getting a dog at some point in March or April, but felt they had no choice other than to do it now, because of the confusion over the law.“Four or five have shown up this month that were probably going to get one during the next year, but got one instead before Christmas.”Dr Madeiros said families are advised not to get puppies for Christmas because the traditional festive season mayhem doesn’t provide a suitable new environment for the young animals.In recent weeks, protesters have embarked on a letter-writing campaign to Mr Bean, suggesting pets should still be allowed to come to the Island without a rabies vaccination as long as they have been born and bred in the UK or spent six months there. Kittens and puppies under 15 weeks are extremely unlikely to carry the disease, they say.An Environment spokeswoman said an official announcement is expected at some point this week.Dr Madeiros said that in the mean time any residents planning to import dogs in the coming weeks should contact Government and ask for written advice on the law.