Fourteen U.S. senators have come together to voice their concerns about new border regulations for dogs that are set to take effect on August 1. In a letter addressed to the director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the bipartisan group highlighted flaws in the regulations and warned of potential unintended consequences.
Led by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, and Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, the senators pointed out that the final rule differed significantly from the proposed rule, and there was no opportunity for a second comment period on the changes. This lack of transparency and opportunity for feedback raised red flags for the senators, who are now urging the CDC to reconsider the implementation of the regulations.
The senators emphasized that constituents in their states are worried about the burdensome effects of the new rule. They are calling for the CDC to allow time for those affected by the changes to provide feedback and for adjustments to be made accordingly. The senators are requesting an extension of the August 1 effective date until a regulation can be drafted that both protects public health and allows for the importation of dogs from low-risk countries like Canada.
The proposed rule initially included a limited exception to accommodate personal pet owners traveling between countries that are free of rabies and pose little threat to public health, such as Canada or Mexico. However, the final regulations were tightened to align more closely with the World Health Organization’s standards for dogs and to address concerns about rabies spread and fraudulent documentation.
Under the final rule, all dogs entering the United States must be healthy upon arrival, at least six months old, microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt. The senators argue that these requirements are overly broad and would create significant barriers for dog owners, breeders, truckers, and sportsmen and women who frequently cross the U.S.-Canadian border for various reasons.
The senators also raised concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the new regulations, noting that many travelers who regularly cross the border with their animals were unaware of the rule’s impact on their activities. This lack of understanding could have led to a lack of public input on the matter.
The senators highlighted the potential economic impact on communities located at the U.S.-Canadian border, citing events like major sledding competitions and truck drivers who travel with their dogs while carrying goods into the U.S. The new requirements for entry could disrupt these activities and harm regional economies.
In conclusion, the senators are urging the CDC to reconsider the implementation of the new regulations and allow for more input from stakeholders. They argue that the final rule is too restrictive and could have unintended consequences for various groups that rely on cross-border travel with their dogs. The senators are calling for a more balanced approach that protects public health while minimizing the burdens on dog owners and importers.
