British taxpayers will be paying thousands of pounds for an asylum seeker's dog to stay in the UK, it has been revealed.

The migrant's German Shepherd crossed the channel in a small dinghy and reportedly needs to be kept isolated to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and for a full check-up.

In what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind case, the dog may need further care before its owner's asylum claim is processed.

The dog could need an additional four months of quarantine, which has come under criticism from opposition MPs.

The dog crossed the channel with its migrant owner

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philip told The Sun: "Labour have lost control of our borders.

"The cost of quarantining this dog will run into thousands, all paid for by the British taxpayer. It is barking mad."

A source said: "Border Force officials couldn't believe their eyes but treated the animal with the same humanity they show any individual."

The dog has reportedly been moved to one of the Government's quarantine sites.

The news comes after Keir Starmer said he would "take back control" of Britain's borders and "smash the gangs" when Labour entered power.

A Government spokesman said to The Sun: "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."

Over 12,500 migrants have crossed the channel so far this year

The German Shepherd joins 12,699 human migrants who have crossed the channel so far this year.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage recently criticised the Prime Minister's position on stopping small boat crossings, branding Labour's "smash the gangs" migration policy an "absolute failure".

Addressing the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Farage said: "Five years ago, I warned that if we didn't leave the ECHR and immediately deport those arriving in Dover via small boats, there would be an invasion. And sure enough, I was right.

"Does the Home Secretary accept that their smash the gangs policy has been a complete and total failure? And if that's the case, why should we believe anything else they say?"