The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently announced new requirements for dogs being imported into the U.S. for resale.  The new rule which is authorized under section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) will require dogs to be at least six months old, be vaccinated upon arrival and in good health.

Up to 7,000 dogs were imported into the United States for resale in 2013 which represents a 20% increase from the previous year, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Many of these dogs originate from puppy mills in South Korea, China, Mexico and Eastern Europe.

According to Deborah Press, senior regulatory affairs manager for the ASPCA, “U.S. pet vendors sometimes prefer purchasing puppies from foreign mills because the animals are sold for less” as reported in the Los Angeles Times.

The new rule which carries a penalty of up to $10,000 per violation is scheduled to take effect on Novemeber 17, 2014 and will be administered by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

RELATED:

FINAL RULE:
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/08/18/2014-19515/animal-welfare-importation-of-live-dogs

Animal Welfare Act (AWA):
http://awic.nal.usda.gov/government-and-professional-resources/federal-laws/animal-welfare-act

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign