Here are some highlights of state-level regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed. Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations.
Federal – On June 14, the US. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary suspension of the importation of dogs from countries classified as high risk for canine rabies. This suspension will also apply from dogs arriving from countries not considered a high risk if the dogs have been in a high-risk country during the previous six months. The new suspension applies to all dogs, including puppies, emotional support dogs, and dogs that traveled out of the United States and are returning from a high-risk country. The suspension commences July 14, following a 30-day comment period. Read more.
Federal – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced on June 24 that it is re-issuing a rule that requires breeder/dealers, research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers, and other animal enterprises subject to USDA licensing to establish emergency/contingency planning in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or other business disruption. Dog breeders subject to USDA licensing and requirements include those who maintain more than 4 intact females and sell the offspring sight unseen. A similar, final rule for USDA licensees was published in December 2012 and implemented in January 2013. However, the rule was stayed in July 2013 due to concerns about the impact the rule would have on small enterprises. The new proposed rule re-establishes emergency/contingency planning requirements similar to those first published in 2012 (77FR76814-76824). Read more.