Pet Advocacy Network Applauds Senate’s Inclusion of Dog Importation Protections in Farm Bill
The framework would protect people, animals from the growing threat of zoonotic diseases.
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Pet Advocacy Network (PAN) applauded the inclusion of the Healthy Dog Importation Act (HDIA) in Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman’s Farm Bill base text. The inclusion of this important provision comes in the wake of the first USDA-confirmed case of New World screwworm infecting a family dog, underlining the need for more stringent government oversight of pets imported from foreign countries.
The Healthy Dog Importation Act increases health regulations for the more than 1 million dogs brought into the U.S. every year. Dogs imported from foreign countries like Mexico and China are at risk of carrying a variety of diseases including distemper, rabies, and parvovirus. These ailments could spread to other pets, livestock, or even humans with devastating effect.
“We thank Chairman Boozman for including the Healthy Dog Importation Act in the Senate version of the Farm Bill, and we thank the National Animal Interest Alliance and its president, Patti Strand, for their hard work on this issue,” said Sandy Moore, CEO of PAN. “The framework would help protect people and animals from the growing threat of zoonotic diseases like screwworm, which are at elevated risk of being introduced into the United States through unchecked dog importation.”
The HDIA is endorsed by numerous animal industry groups, including the National Animal Interest Alliance, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Kennel Club.
About the Pet Advocacy Network
The Pet Advocacy Network champions pet choice and responsible pet professionals, connecting them with policymakers at the local, state, federal and international levels. Since 1971, the organization has worked to promote animal well-being and responsible pet ownership, foster environmental stewardship, and ensure access to healthy pets. Pet Advocacy Network members include companion animal suppliers, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, service providers, pet hobbyists, and other trade organizations. To learn more, visit www.PetAdvocacy.org.