U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) helped lead a bipartisan group of more than 50 lawmakers in urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lift its suspension of canine imports from 113 countries.
“I am committed to working with my bipartisan colleagues and the CDC to find alternate solutions to safely and efficiently import rescue dogs into the United States so that they have a chance at a better life and an opportunity to find a forever home,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said.
Among the representatives who joined the congressman in signing the letter sent to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky were U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), John Katko (R-NY), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Fred Upton (R-MI), and Ted Deutch (D-FL).
The CDC’s ban on the importation of dogs into the United States took effect on July 14 due to heightened concerns about the prevalence of rabies among foreign dog populations that could be reintroduced into the U.S. through adoption. Canine rabies has been eradicated in America since 2007, according to their letter.
“The ban on the importation of dogs into the United States from over 100 countries threatens the welfare of would-be adopted dogs who are subjected to horrific, inhumane conditions in foreign countries,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “If international pet rescue organizations are unable to resume their work, the future for the majority of these vulnerable and abandoned animals is grim.”
The lawmakers are concerned that the ban’s broad scope treats 113 countries with a one-size-fits-all approach that could have an extensive impact, including for dogs that accompanied their U.S.-based families moving back to the States, and K9 companions of U.S. service members stationed abroad, they wrote.
“All of these people complied with strict U.S. health and vaccination regulations to keep canine rabies out of the country,” wrote Rep. Fitzpatrick and his colleagues, noting that the CDC’s ban also prevents thousands of dogs from being rescued and adopted into loving and safe homes.
The lawmakers also asked Walensky to recognize the need to modernize the government’s dog import process in a way that allows reputable U.S. based animal charities to continue their missions.
“We believe that the CDC can and should establish a process that allows adoptions to resume,” they wrote. “This process might include a country-by-country risk-based analysis, proof of rabies vaccination, pre-departure rabies serology testing, and development of a secure and fraud-resistant pet passport.”
The letter has garnered support from Bunny’s Buddies, Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, and the Animal Wellness Foundation.