Airlines are so confused by the new rules that they are reportedly refusing all dogs. Many are stranded.
The new CDC rules for bringing dogs into the US beginning August 1, 2024 has already turned into such a confusing nightmare for canine travelers that most of the Airlines are refusing to take dogs at all. The airlines report that the new rules / restrictions are so confusing that they are unable to comply – leaving hundreds of dogs stranded with few or no options. [ [See DoggieUK9 Blog story about the new regulations – here] ]
July 25, 2024 Call for Action Report
Animal Wellness Groups Call on CDC to Pause Dog Importation Policy as 8 Airlines Respond with Confusion, Choosing to No Longer Transport U.S. Dogs Home
Washington, D.C. — Animal wellness groups say new dog importation rules by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are unjustified and cruel, as eight airlines have responded with confusion, by disallowing Americans overseas with dogs to book flights home along with their pets in the cabin or cargo hold, from more than 100 countries the agency deems high risk for canine rabies.
The rule is now affecting U.S. citizens and residents, tourists, and even military families who travel with dogs, along with global rescue organizations that import dogs into the United States for adoption as they are now stuck without recourse as airlines drop dogs from flights. Airlines explain CDC’s requirements are simply confusing and not possible to follow.
Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy are calling on the agency to immediately pause implementation as planned for Aug. 1.
“CDC has no justification for charging ahead with such an irresponsible policy that is already hurting dogs with their families abroad,” said Dr. Thomas Pool (MPH, DVM), senior veterinarian at the Center for a Humane Economy, who explains that dog importation rules are based thinly on just four cases of canine rabies from dogs flown into the United States over a period of six years. During that time, an estimated 6-to-7 million other dogs were imported successfully.
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