Here are some highlights of state and federal 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 1, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced an extension and modification of the July 2021 temporary suspension of the importation of dogs from countries classified as high risk for canine rabies. Based on improvements in its ability to track and monitor dog imports from canine rabies virus variant (CRVV) high-risk countries, and the significant decrease in the dog importation issues that existed prior to the suspension, CDC’s action allows for more dog imports from countries classified as high risk. CDC believes that the change will not divert public health resources away from COVID-19 pandemic responses.
US-vaccinated dogs returning to the US from high-risk countries with a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate will be allowed to enter without a CDC Dog Import Permit if the dog is six months of age or older; has a microchip; arrives at one of the 18 CDC-approved ports of entry, and has a valid US rabies vaccination certificate issued on or after the dog was 12 weeks of age.
Importers of personal pet dogs from high-risk countries are now eligible to apply for a CDC Dog Import Permit, and may receive up to two permits (i.e., permits for two dogs). Personal pet owners no longer need to provide documentary proof of eligibility. Foreign-vaccinated dogs arriving from high-risk counties with a valid permit will be allowed to enter if the dogs are six months of age or older (photos of dogs’ teeth are required for age verification), have a microchip, have a valid rabies vaccination certificate from a non-US-licensed veterinarian issued on or after the date the dog was 12 week old and at least 28 days prior to entry, have a serologic evidence of rabies vaccination (titer) with the sample collected between 45-365 days before entry; and arrive at one of the 18 CDC-approved ports of entry. Within 10 days of arrival, foreign-vaccinated dogs with a CDC Dog Import Permit must receive a USDA-licensed rabies booster vaccination by a U.S. veterinarian.
Foreign-vaccinated dogs without a valid CDC Dog Import Permit must also enter at a port of entry with a CDC-approved animal facility, must be six months of age or older at time of entry, must have a scheduled examination date and time and reserve space with a CDC-approved animal facility prior to arrival, must have transportation arranged by a CBP-bonded transporter to a CDC-approved animal facility upon arrival, and undergo veterinary examination and revaccination upon arrival at a CDC-approved animal facility at importer’s expense. Such dogs will be held at the CDC-approved facility until multiple additional entry requirements are completed, including but not limited to veterinary health examinations and vaccination against rabies.
The new rules went into effect on June 10, 2022, and will remain in effect at least through January 31, 2023.
For more information:
Contact Dr. Emily Pieracci, D.V.M., of the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine at 1-800-232-4636.
Review AKC GR’s new flowchart Determining If a Dog Can Enter the U.S.
Email AKC GR at doglaw@akc.org.
Illinois – The IL Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is considering amendments to the regulations that carry out the state’s Animal Welfare Act.
The proposed amendments add: (1) sanitation and safety requirements; (2) requirements for primary pens to be safely constructed, be large enough for the animals, and have adequate lighting and ventilation; (3) provisions to protect animals from dangerous weather conditions; and (4) requirements for providing animals with proper exercise, hygiene, and physical examinations.
The proposal mandates that by July 1, 2023, all primary pens containing dogs shall have solid surface, slatted, or PVC/vinyl coated wire flooring. If slatted flooring is used, slats shall be appropriately spaced for the size of the dog and constructed in a manner which prevents the animal’s feed from getting trapped or injured. Additionally, primary pens will be permitted to be stacked only if they were commercially designed and constructed to be a multi-level enclosure/kennel; and if enclosures are located indoors, they must be placed in facilities with adequate light and ventilation.
By July 1, 2023, licensees will not be permitted to keep a dog in an outdoor enclosure if it is unable to tolerate prevalent temperatures, based on the animal’s own characteristics (i.e., breed, body identification, and environmental acclimation). Those using outdoor enclosures must take effective measures to ensure that climatic or ambient temperature threats to the health and welfare of dogs are eliminated.
Breeders licensed under the state’s Animal Welfare Act and other interested Illinois residents are encouraged to review the proposed amendments in their entirety. Those wanting to submit written comments may submit them to the Illinois Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, 700 Stratton Bldg., Springfield, Illinois 62706 or via email at jcar@ilga.gov.