BigStock image The Pet Advocacy Network (PAN) expressed support for inclusion of the Healthy Dog Importation Act in the U.S. House Agriculture Committee’s newly released Farm Bill draft, citing the need for stronger federal oversight of canine imports. According to PAN, approximately one million dogs are imported into the United States annually, with an estimated one percent screened for illness or infection. The proposed legislation would require proof of vaccination, parasite treatment and negative test results before entry, mandate permanent identification and establish penalties for noncompliance. “The Healthy Dog Importation Act empowers the USDA with additional tools to monitor dogs entering the country and protect both human and animal health,” says Sandy Moore, CEO of PAN. “This is a commonsense, bipartisan step that strengthens public health protections while supporting responsible pet ownership and commerce.” The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also welcomed the proposal. “A Farm Bill that incorporates the veterinary profession’s priorities is vital to protecting and advancing the nation’s public and animal health infrastructure,” says AVMA President Dr. Michael Q. Bailey. He added that provisions strengthening dog importation standards, supporting animal disease programs and enhancing rural veterinary recruitment reflect sustained advocacy efforts. The bill also would reauthorize animal disease prevention programs, the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, the Veterinary Services Grant Program and the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program. Committee deliberations are scheduled to begin February 23.
