The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) welcomes the new federal rule issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulating the importation of puppies. The new rule requires non-U.S. breeders to provide certification that each dog is in good health, has received all necessary vaccinations, and is at least six months of age. It specifically targets dogs meant for resale in the commercial pet trade and will not prevent individuals from transporting their own pets.
"Every year, thousands of puppies are brought into the United States from foreign countries, even though they may be too sick or young to endure the transport," said Deborah Press, senior regulatory affairs manager for the ASPCA. "With this new rule, the USDA has taken significant steps towards ensuring that the United States is not importing sick puppies and supporting animal cruelty in puppy mills overseas."
In 2008 Congress amended the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to prevent, young, unhealthy puppies from being imported into the U.S. for the commercial pet trade. Though the law was to go into effect immediately, it has not been enforced. Many of the puppies coming into this country are raised in inhumane conditions, and they are frequently taken from their mothers before they are old enough to be weaned, to be transported long distances in cramped conditions and extreme temperatures. Because of their young age, many of these puppies already have weak immune systems and easily pick up diseases during their long travel. American consumers who purchase these puppies often end up with a sick animal.