AKC Backs Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2020
The American Kennel Club (AKC), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and advocate for all dogs, announces its support for the introduction of the Healthy Dog Importation Act of 2020 in the US House of Representatives today.
The organization recognizes Rep. Ralph Abraham (LA-5), Rep. Ted Yoho (FL-3), and Rep. Kurt Schrader (OR-5) for sponsoring this bipartisan legislation that will ensure all dogs imported into the United States are fully immunized; free of infection, parasites and contagious diseases; and are individually certified as such by an accredited veterinarian.
“AKC is grateful for Representatives Abraham, Schrader and Yoho’s leadership in sponsoring the Healthy Dog Importation Act,” said AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung. “In the last several years, zoonotic diseases such as rabies, canine influenza and distemper have been carried into the US by dogs imported without basic veterinary checks or valid health certificates. With an estimated one million dogs entering the US annually, this represents a ticking time bomb for animal and public health. The basic health certifications that this bill requires for every dog imported will protect the health and wellbeing of all dogs in our nation – and the humans who care for them.”
The AKC also thanks the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) for their long-time leadership on the issue and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for their support.
For more information, visit the AKC Government Relations Pet and Public Health pages.