CDC issues temporary dog importation ban to go into effect July 14th
Los Angeles, CA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) denied a litter of six Yorkshire Terrier puppies entry to the United States at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on June 8, 2021. The litter, hand-carried on a Turkish Air flight from Ukraine, was documented as being 20-weeks-old and too young for importation. One of the puppies, nicknamed “Conrad,” exhibited neurological issues and is now in the care of Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA). The importer legally abandoned Conrad, and returned to Ukraine with the five remaining dogs.
Conrad, the abandoned Yorkie puppy, is under medical supervision at spcaLA
Conrad had to be hospitalized for seven nights, and is still fighting through a host of medical issues. spcaLA Veterinarians place Conrad’s age at 5 to 6 weeks. A puppy this little is too young to have been separated from his mother, and far too young for a rabies vaccine, indicating his importation documentation was likely falsified.
Less than a week after this incident, the CDC announced it will temporarily suspend the importation of dogs from over 100 countries, including Ukraine, identified as high risk for dog rabies. The measure is effective July 14, 2021 and intended to protect imported dogs as well as prevent the reintroduction of rabies in the U.S, according to the CDC’s announcement. Under the ban, dogs who have been in high-risk countries within the last six months will also be denied entry, regardless of their country of origin.
“When you shop for a dog online or on social media, stop and think about how this puppy came to be,” said spcaLA President, Madeline Bernstein. “spcaLA participates in an inter-agency Importation Task Force to help animals like Conrad, but no amount of enforcement will stop the animal trade while there is still consumer demand.”
Strong leadership, collaboration, and swift action on the parts of the CDC, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and spcaLA afforded Conrad a second chance at life, rather than his having to be sent back to Ukraine or euthanized. However, the little pup has a long road to go. He is currently under medical supervision, and it could be at least two months before Conrad is available for adoption. To donate to his care and that of other spcaLA shelter pets, visit our donation page.
“These puppies are a commodity to the breeder, like a designer handbag or a pair of shoes. Proper medical care costs money, which bites into the profit,” said Bernstein. “Charities, like spcaLA, are often left footing the bill to care for the rejected designer dogs and the constantly-bred mommas, after they can produce no more litters.”
The importation of highly desirable breeds, like Yorkies and French Bulldogs, can be a lucrative business, especially if there is little regard for animal welfare. Puppy mill puppies who are underage or sickly are often sold to unwitting customers. This process can cost the purchaser thousands of dollars and potential heartache.
spcaLA continually advises the public: do not to buy pets on social media or other online marketplaces. Instead, adopt and work with an accredited SPCA, humane society, rescue, or shelter.