CDC Proposes New Rules for Importing Dogs from "High-Risk" Countries
On July 10, 2023, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention proposed new rules for importing dogs from countries -- including Ukraine and Russia -- that are considered to have a high risk for dog rabies. These rules would be much more strict than the current regulations, creating significant hurdles for the dog rescue community.
The new rules would require "repetitive vaccinations, testing, and other costly mandates that will put Americans overseas at risk of losing their animals, and terribly complicate the work of US-based charities conducting international dog rescue," according to Animal Wellness Action, a US-based organization focused on preventing cruelty to animals. Their full response to the CDC's proposed regulations is available at this link.
Sochi Dogs is partnering with Animal Wellness Action and a coalition of US-based dog rescues to speak out against the proposed changes. As an alternative to the new rules, we are proposing that the CDC keep its current permit system in place. This system allows individuals to apply for a permit to import a specific dog if they can produce a positive titer test – a blood test that confirms that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies and has enough antibodies to prevent infection – from a CDC-approved lab. A CDC officer reviews all documentation before the dog’s arrival and, to guarantee public safety, the permit holder is required to re-vaccinate the dog within 10 days of the dog’s entry into the country.
We also recommend 1) updating the permit system to allow rescue organizations registered as 50(c)3 nonprofits in the US to apply for permits and 2) eliminating the current two-dog limit for importers, which would enable permit holders to bring in more than two dogs during their lifetime.
With these changes we can prevent the spread of rabies in the US while allowing rescue organizations to continue saving dogs like Lacey, a dog from Ukraine who survived the Battle of Irpin by hiding under a bridge. She is now living in Philadelphia where she loves to sleep in her comfy bed, go out on walks with her new family Erica and Kyle, and say hello to everyone she meets.
The CDC is inviting public comments and feedback on the proposed rules until September 8, 2023. Stay tuned for more details about how you can help!
