Update: The rally and hearing have wrapped. Read our blog post about our day in court, and click here to help stop the rescue dog import ban.
Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada will be in court to challenge Canada’s ban on international dog rescue on Wednesday, October 8. In 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) banned dogs from over 100 countries from being brought into Canada for adoption or rescue. The ban was billed as temporary to protect against rabies, but rabies is 100-percent vaccine-preventable, and the ban has yet to be lifted.
Around the world, innocent dogs are struggling to survive on the streets, where they face violence, starvation, disease, and brutal weather every single day. In war-torn countries, dogs are caught in the crossfire. In places like China, they are tortured and killed in the horrifying dog meat trade. These are not just numbers or statistics—they are living beings, desperate for safety and compassion.
Tragically, international dog rescue charities were forced to stop their important work due to the ban. Canada was once a beacon of hope for dogs living on the streets and in shelters around the world. It’s time we opened our doors again. Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada will tell a judge why the ban was unfair, and should be reconsidered.
Join the Rally at the Federal Court in Ottawa!
Join us in Ottawa for a peaceful rally calling on the government to:
- End a blanket ban that does more harm than good
- Give rescued dogs a second chance at life in Canada
- Follow science-based, modern veterinary guidelines
COURT SUPPORT – 9:30 AM
The legal challenge will begin inside the courthouse at 9:30 AM.
Supporters are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend and show their support from inside the courtroom. Please be quiet and respectful.
RALLY – 1:00 to 1:30 PM
Meet us outside the Ottawa Courthouse from 1:00 to 1:30 PM for a peaceful, high-visibility rally.
🐶 Bring your dogs! (Leashed, friendly, and comfortable in crowds)
📣 Bring your voice—and we’ll provide the signs!
Together, we’ll stand up for dogs and demand an end to the CFIA’s dog rescue ban.
