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Canadian Football Star Brady Oliveira Calls for End to Dog Rescue Ban on One-Year Anniversary

Canadian pro football running back Brady Oliveira, with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League, is teaming up with Animal Justice to call for an end to Canada’s ban on international dog rescue on the one-year anniversary of the ban being in force.

This dangerous policy prohibits dog rescuers from bringing pups in need to Canada, from over 100 countries. Brady is a long-time animal lover, advocate for pet adoption, and dog rescuer who has seen first-hand the suffering that dogs endure on the streets abroad.

Brady was recently on a dog rescue mission in Bali, Indonesia, one of the countries affected by the ban. Canada was once regarded as a sanctuary for homeless dogs globally, but now leaves countless dogs to suffer. Brady, like many Canadians, is deeply concerned about the ban and its deadly implications for dogs in need. 

See Brady speak out in the video below, featuring his rescued pups Nellie and Gunnar.

Canada’s Dog Rescue Ban is Misguided

The ban came into effect on September 28, 2022, imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in a misguided effort to combat rabies. Although preventing the spread of dog rabies is important, a ban on dog rescue isn’t necessary to protect dog and human health. Canada is the only Western nation with a blanket ban on most international dog adoption. 

Instead of shutting down dog rescue, Canada should rely on science-based rabies prevention measures promoted by the World Organization for Animal Health, like vaccinations, antibody tests, and quarantines. 

Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada are now challenging the federal policy in court, in an effort to have it overturned. The dog rescue ban has already had a devastating effect on dog adoption groups worldwide, and we’re committed to fighting it every step of the way.

Please join Brady Oliveira and Animal Justice in taking action by asking the CFIA to allow adoptable animals into Canada!