CDC Extends Dog Import Ban Until At Least July 31, 2023 and Imposes Expensive and Additional Bureaucratic Requirements. Rescues and Dogs Suffer.

Despite bi-partisan please from congress, the CDC had extended it’s import ban for imports of dogs from more than 100 countries. Currently, imported dogs must receive a rabies vaccine, a rabies blood titer to show vaccine efficacy, rescues must supply CDC paperwork and fly dogs only into a handful dedicated CDC airports. Once the dogs arrive, the must be transported to a CDC facility ($170 transport fee), stay at the facility ($150/day), have another veterinary exam ($150) receive a second rabies vaccine ($80) and rescues must also pay a processing fee of $250). As you can imagine, this makes it nearly impossible for people to afford the initial veterinary care, the flight and crate, the flight volunteer and now all of the additional costs that total an adoption fee that rescues would need to charge. In total, we estimate the cost to bring over one dog at approximately $2600.

What can you do? Please consider writing to U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) who have previously written to the CDC requesting that this import ban be lifted or at least modified. Here is the story from last year:

https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2021/9/fitzpatrick-deutch-lead-bipartisan-letter-calling-on-cdc-to-lift-dog-import-suspension

Update on Rudolph!

Thanks to the generous donations of one of our SDP members, Rudolph has done great! His mange is now under control and his skin is looking a lot better! The veterinarians think that Rudolph still may need to have surgery to remove some of the bullets that are causing him pain but in the meantime he is being treated for pain of his limbs. Rudolph is also becoming less afraid of people. He is such a sweet gentle giant and we are delighted that he is finally being taken care of and enjoying life!

Dogs brutal killing in Konya shelter highlights Türkiye’s stray animal issue

https://bianet.org/english/animals/270550-dog-s-brutal-killing-in-konya-shelter-highlights-turkiye-s-stray-animal-issue

Two Members of Congress Lead Bi-Partisan Letter to the CDC Calling to Lift the Ban on Dog Imports from more than 100 Countries

Fitzpatrick, Deutch Lead Bipartisan Letter Calling on CDC to Lift Dog Import Suspension

September 30, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) led a total of 57 Democratic and Republican Representatives on a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urging the CDC to lift its blanket suspension of canine imports from 113 countries, which was implemented in July. 

In the letter, Members write: "Every dog deserves a loving home, and U.S. shelters alone cannot meet every American’s desire to adopt a rescue dog. By opening their hearts and homes to adopted dogs from other countries, they save a dog’s life and gain a loving pet."

The Members ask that the CDC work to modernize the dog importation system in a way that protects public health while also allowing responsible and reputable pet rescuers to continue operating and allowing international pet adoptions to resume.

"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,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. "If international pet rescue organizations are unable to resume their work, the future for the majority of these vulnerable and abandoned animals is grim. 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."

"The CDC ban does not recognize the complexities of international dog rescue transport," Rep. Deutch said. "We can protect public health while allowing rescue groups to continue their work. American families should be able to save animals from abroad, as long as we guarantee they do not carry any diseases that pose a threat to those families or to their other furry friends." 

The letter was supported by: Bunny's Buddies, Animal Wellness Action, The Center for a Humane Economy, and The Animal Wellness Foundation.

“This strong bipartisan appeal for the CDC to rescind its policy to ban dog imports from 113 countries is just the latest indicator that Congress is fed up with the agency on this issue,” said Marty Irby, executive director at Animal Wellness Action. “We applaud Reps. Deutch and Fitzpatrick and every Member of Congress who joined in recognizing that our military heroes, diplomats, and other citizens overseas should not be forced to separate from their pets and break their bonds.”

“The entire Bunny's Buddies community is so grateful to see so many animal lovers come together to fight for what these dogs deserve! There are so many great rescue groups that want to do the right thing, by both local and international rescues, and this letter from Congressmen Deutch and Fitzpatrick gives us all some real hope! We are celebrating this big win and will continue to fight for reputable group's right to import these dogs,” said Amanda Jo, Founder of Bunny’s Buddies.

“This decision, made without consultation with stakeholders, has caused chaos, financial hardship, and emotional turmoil for members of our military, foreign service, U.S. citizens, and charities,” said Jennifer Skiff, director of international programs at Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “Those affected have spoken and Congress is now acting, for a second time. We thank them and request the CDC act expeditiously to get dogs home.”

The letter was signed by: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Ted Deutch, Colin Allred, Cindy Axne, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Gus M. Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Earl L. "Buddy" Carter, Steve Cohen, Jim Cooper, Charlie Crist, Jason Crow, Rodney Davis, Madeleine Dean, Peter DeFazio, Michael Doyle, Andrew Garbarino, Sylvia R. Garcia, Carlos A. Gimenez, Lance Gooden, Raúl M. Grijalva, Diana Harshbarger, Chris Jacobs, Sara Jacobs, John Katko, Al Lawson, Andy Levin, Ted Lieu, Alan Lowenthal, Nancy Mace, Nicole Malliotakis, Lucy McBath, Lisa M. McClain, Peter Meijer, Barry Moore, Stephanie Murphy, Frank Mrvan, Joe Neguse, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Scott Peters, David Price, Jamie Raskin, Kathleen M. Rice, Deborah Ross, Lucille Royal-Allard, Maria Elvira Salazar, Jan Schakowsky, Elissa Slotkin, Darren Soto, Haley Stevens, Thomas R. Suozzi, Claudia Tenney, Dina Titus, Fred Upton, Michael Waltz, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and Frederica S. Wilson.

Full text of the letter is below.

Dear Director Walensky,

We write in reference to the CDC’s ban on the importation of dogs into the United States from 113 countries, which took effect on July 14, 2021.

The CDC put this ban in place because of heightened concern about the prevalence of rabies among foreign dog populations, which could be reintroduced into the United States through adoption. Canine rabies has been eradicated in the United States since 2007, and we share the CDC’s goal of ensuring this remains the case.

The ban’s broad scope, however, causes us great concern as it treats 113 countries with a one-size-fits-all approach. This ban will have extensive impact including dogs that accompanied their U.S.-based families as they moved back to the United States, and K9 companions of U.S. service members stationed abroad. All of these people complied with strict U.S. health and vaccination regulations to keep canine rabies out of the country.

Every dog deserves a loving home, and U.S. shelters alone cannot meet every American’s desire to adopt a rescue dog. Many Americans choose to adopt pets from overseas, saving them from grim lives in captivity or from painful deaths. By opening their hearts and homes to adopted dogs from other countries, they save a dog’s life and gain a loving pet.

The CDC’s ban prevents thousands of dogs from 113 countries being rescued and adopted into loving and safe homes. China is one of those countries that we will use as an example. It is a country that fails to enforce laws against the consumption of dog meat and does little to halt particularly inhumane means of killing dogs at annual Yulin “dog meat” festivals. This dog abuse at the festival, which has received a great deal of media attention, is one that has stirred many American humanitarians to work with charities that rescue, vet, vaccinate, and sterilize dogs there. According to your agency, not a single dog originating from the People’s Republic of China, and imported into the U.S., has been diagnosed with rabies in the past decade.

We believe that dogs destined for American adoption can be safely imported by requiring confirmation of rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin, followed by rabies serology testing at least 30 days post-vaccination.

We ask you 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 life-saving missions. We believe that the CDC can and should establish a process that allows adoptions to resume. 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”.  

We urge the CDC to work with stakeholders to create a solution that protects public health but also allows responsible members of the pet rescue community to continue their work. The U.S. House recently passed an amendment to provide CDC with $3 million for a more rigorous screening program for dogs about to enter the U.S. That is a far more discerning and sensible approach than a categorical ban of dog imports from more than 100 nations.

We thank you for working with us to ensure rescue organizations are able continue their work to help dogs find loving homes with American families by reevaluating the current ban.

Sincerely,

Members of Congress

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Permalink: https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/2021/9/fitzpatrick-deutch-lead-bipartisan-letter-calling-on-cdc-to-lift-dog-import-suspension

Reputable International Pet Rescues Dismayed by CDC Dog Import Ban

In June of 2021 the CDC the import of dogs from more than 100 countries, including Afghanistan (where US military families were stationed), where rabies is a problem. The CDC states: “This temporary action is necessary to ensure the health and safety of dogs imported into the United States and to protect the public’s health against the reintroduction of canine rabies virus variant (dog rabies) into the United States,” the CDC said. Unlike countries like Britain and Australia, the United States is not a rabies free country has several strains that affect wildlife, cats and dogs. The ban has put a huge burden onto rescues who work extremely hard, including Street Dog Pals and our partners in Turkey, to ensure the health and proper documentation of dogs imported into the United States for adoption. Despite the fact that Street Dog Pals and our partners in Turkey are run by a small group of volunteers and are primarily funded by donations, we have always ensured that pets are legally vaccinated, that the legal documentation is provided an that our dogs are selected for both health and temperament. Street Dog Pals and our partners in Turkey strongly oppose this ban. We will continue to provide resources to our friends in Turkey for the rescue and care of homeless dog in Turkey.

About the Dogs

The towns and cities of Turkey are crowded with homeless dogs and cats. Some estimates put the number of stray dogs alone at several million. Many of the dogs are mixed breeds, so called mutts, while others are descended from the classic working dog of Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd.

In recent years, with various canine fads coming into style, pet-shops have set up industrial-sized breeding facilities to produce large numbers of puppy breeds to meet the whims of the buyers. Sadly, older breeds, once their value has declined, are often dumped on the streets. And the cute puppies, often purchased impulsively, can outgrow their welcome: they become too large, or too rambunctious, or too time-consuming for their buyers. Tragically, the capricious owners then dump the dog onto the street or even abandon them along roadways or in forests.

Once abandoned, the dogs are left to face injuries and disease without aid. Weather conditions are extreme in Turkey, with hot, dry summers and freezing sub-zero winters. The vast majority of dogs cannot survive without some human support to provide food, water, and minimal shelter. In the forests, food sources are meager and during the arid months, there is no drinking water. Many dogs die from starvation and untreated injuries or illnesses. Hostile people sometimes attack the dogs and there are cases where they’ve been shot, poisoned, or even raped. When the dogs appear on roads searching for food and human contact, cars and trucks are a grave threat, and many animals are slaughtered.

In some cities and municipalities, officials place some of the street dogs in shelters. However, most remain strays, living on the streets. Some cities also round up dogs to take to vet clinics where they are spayed/neutered and given vaccines for rabies. A tag is then stapled to their ear and they are released back on the streets.

However, if there are complaints regarding the dogs in any neighborhood, then the city will often collect the dogs and dump them into the forests. There are also numerous accounts in social media describing city officials poisoning the dogs right on the streets, to the horror of witnesses.

In Turkey, the treatment of street dogs often depends on the quality of life in their neighborhoods. In areas where people are better educated and moderately prosperous, the local street dogs and cats are often treated as outdoor pets. However, in many poor and chaotic neighborhoods, the strays are ignored or worse.

Istanbul, for example, is an old city but its boundaries are still expanding. Zoning and planning are non-existent, and there is constant construction work. Forests in the way are chopped down and green spaces, now almost gone, are replaced with concrete buildings, such as apartments or even skyscrapers. This relentless growth leaves stray animals trapped with no exit.

And the dumping of dogs in streets, forests, and landfills continues at a rapid rate. When puppies are born in these bleak environments, they generally die in a few months. There are generous people, mainly volunteers, who organize aid efforts through social media.  The volunteers work together to feed and care for as many of these dogs as they can. However, these support efforts are never enough to provide food, water, medical care, and shelter for all the dogs.

In light of this dismal situation, we are trying to help save as many animals as possible. While some dogs are too feral or suspicious to bring into homes, many individuals are ideal candidates to return to homes as domestic pets. Some breeds, particularly the golden retrievers, are ill-suited to survive the harsh conditions in the streets and forests.

These dogs are surprising adaptable, perhaps because they have had to be. Most have had to navigate living with with other stray dogs, living among strangers/pedestrians in cities and all among dealing with basic survival and lack of medical care. Most of our dogs thrive in new loving homes. They appreciate the love, care and attention that they have lacked throughout their lives.

Tips for Post Adoption

First 30 Minutes

KEEP THINGS QUIET AND CALM.  The moment you arrive home with your new dog, introduce him to the backyard first.  Head to the area of the yard that you would like to designate as the potty area.  Spend several minutes in this area until he goes potty or marks his territory.  Upon the act of doing his business, say a command such as “hurry up” or “go potty”.  A command should not be given prior to your dog knowing what it means.  Like all new training commands, the verbal command is said at the same time the dog is performing the act.  Eventually your dog will make the connection.  When that happens, you can fairly command your dog to perform. 

After your dog has relieved himself in the potty area, walk around the rest of the yard and give him plenty of time to sniff and take in the new scenery.  Try not to let him go potty or mark along the way.  End the backyard tour at the potty area for a final chance to eliminate before heading inside.  

Next, while your dog is still leashed, introduce him to the inside of your home starting with the first floor.  Walk him from room to room allowing just enough time to check things out.  To avoid an accident, be sure to keep moving forward.  Sniffing a new environment often stimulates an urge to urinate so once he has seen each room, immediately take him back outside to the designated potty area, giving him the opportunity to eliminate.  Repeat this process with the second floor.  

(Helpful hint: use the backdoor for potty training/breaks and use the front door to go for walks or rides in the car.) 

First Two Weeks

Feed your dog a minimum of two times a day.  Be sure he has access to water 24/7.  Always use the back door to go out to the designated backyard potty area and exit thru another door when taking him for a walk or a ride in the car.  Your dog will eventually distinguish the difference between the two exit areas; one is for potty breaks and the other is for pleasure.  Keep walks brief and close to home.  

Determine where you want your dog to sleep.  Be considerate of the fact that your dog has often shared sleeping time and space in the company of other dogs.   Therefore, a room with another dog or a person is recommended.

Umbilical cord training is a constant supervision based method where you have your new dog permanently attached to you by a 6’ leash and a martingale collar or a no-pull harness.  This method offers a lot of benefits such as:

– housebreaking; potty training

– teaches your dog to follow you, rather than you follow the dog

– gets your dog used to a leash and collar in a low-distraction environment

– creates awareness and attention; calmness; self-discipline and impulse control

Most importantly, this method develops a bond by allowing you to discretely become the alpha or pack leader.  In addition, focus on communicating with your dog by using non-verbal queues such as making gentle eye contact, avoiding a staring contest, and body language; hand feed treats, kneel or sit on the floor along side your dog, keep hands and arms at your side and below your dog’s head, and give pets on his lower neck or chest. Turn your back on attention seeking behaviors such as jumping.  

The umbilical cord method is a safe way keep a close eye on your dog, however, it’s still a good idea to dog proof your house; no wires, shoes, small ingestible items, etc.  

Lastly, determine your dog’s special place.  This should be a safe, quiet place that he can call his own.  

NOTE:  NO COLLAR SHOULD EVER BE LEFT ON YOUR DOG WHEN UNATTENDED!

Necessary Considerations

You’re about to remove your dog from a place that’s become familiar and take him somewhere entirely new.  The following are necessary considerations as you transition your new dog into his new life.  When you pick up your new dog, everyone must remain calm.  It can be tempting to greet your new dog with excitement, but this is not the time to do it.  The following are appropriate ways to smoothly help transition your dog to your home.  

• Bring the dog straight home.  Do not make any stops on the way home.

• No welcome-home parties.  Limit/discourage visitors for the first several days so that your new dog isn’t overwhelmed.  Accept the dog into your space and only give him a minimum amount of attention or affection.

• Introduce your dog to your family members one at a time.  Keep it calm and low-key.  Let the dog be the one to approach, sniff and drive the interaction.  Offering a treat can help the dog to associate family members with good things (food!).  No hugging, kissing, picking up, staring at, or patting on the top of the head during the initial introduction as these things can be scary for some dogs.

Establish Daily Routines

• Sleeping – The crate or bed should be in a part of the bedroom where he can see you. The area should be safe, dog-proofed, cozy and quiet.  Do not put your new dog in an uninhabited area.  

• Feeding – Check with your vet about what the recommended food and amounts should be for your dog based on breed, size, age, activity level, and health.  Feed two meals per day rather than one large meal.  You may need to reduce the meal size to allow for treats during training.  Make sure the dogs food dish is in a safe, out of the way area.  A slow-feeder bowl is beneficial for proper digestion.  

• Walks – Keep the walks short at first (5-10 minutes) until you get to know your new dog’s behavior and how it responds to different stimuli.  Keep to relatively quiet places.  Avoid interaction with other dogs and unfamiliar people until you and your dog are comfortable.

• Chew Toys/Interactive Toys – Use of the crate and appropriate toys are great ways to keep your new dog out of trouble.  Management of your dog and the environment prevents problem behaviors. Chew toys are a great way to direct your dog’s attention to appropriate toys, and away from objects that you don’t want your dog to destroy.  Keeping the mood calm and relaxed, redirect any chewing or grabbing of personal objects with a “leave-it” and offer an appropriate toy.  With a new dog, avoid interactive toys as well as rough and tumble, wrestling, and chase games when playing with your dog.

• Prevent separation anxiety – Use a crate and a treat-filled Kong in combination with leaving for short periods and coming back several times a day.  Don’t make a big fuss of coming or going.

Relationship Building

Patience – Have patience with your new dog’s behavior, level of training, and the time it takes to establish a bond with you.  Give your new dog time and space to adjust.  Commit time the first few days to get to know your dog’s habits and personality.  Establish a routine for the dog and balance interaction and down-time.  This is a period of trust-building, so don’t scare or yell at the dog or try to force close contact.  Watch your dog’s postures and expressions.  Learn to read him.  It may take several weeks for you to get to know your dog’s true nature.  And don’t forget, your new dog is trying to do the same with you!

Training – Physical and mental stimulation are necessary parts of your dog’s well-being.  Training helps your dog settle into a new home, teaches your dog how to fit in to a new family, and strengthens the relationship between you and the dog. Once your dog has settled in and you are familiar with your dog’s responses, take a positive reinforcement style training class (avoid dominance-based methods).  

Remember to manage your dog’s environment so that you set him up to succeed. 

Be proactive, not reactive.  In other words, prevent inappropriate behavior from happening, and then you won’t have to correct it.

3-3-3 Rule

It normally takes about 3 months for a newly adopted dog to fully settle in to their new environment. Imagine if you were placed in a home where you knew none of the people, their routines, their expectations, and their personalities. It takes time to adopt, but dogs are far more adaptable than people!

Turkish activists slam new bill on animal rights as ‘license to kill’

http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-activists-slam-new-bill-on-animal-rights-as-license-to-kill-133440

Adopt Don’t Shop

Animal are sentient beings meaning they experience positive and negative feelings such as pleasure, joy, pain and distress that matter to the individual. Just because they don’t talk doesn’t mean they cannot communicate. With so many animals discarded for selfish reasons, these dogs suffer emotional and physical trauma beyond belief. There is no limit to size and breed of these animals. With so many animals in need of a good home, we support adoption over purpose breeding for profit.