Today, Animal Justice lawyers were in Federal Court in Ottawa to fight for the lives of countless dogs denied a chance at safety because of a blanket federal import ban.
Alongside our co-applicant Soi Dog Canada, we challenged a 2022 decision by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to outlaw dogs from more than 100 countries from entering Canada for rescue or adoption—even if they’ve been vaccinated, vetted, and cleared for travel. Although the ban was supposed to be a temporary measure, the CFIA still hasn’t lifted or amended it.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of supporters, many with their own rescue dogs by their sides, gathered to demand that the CFIA lift the ban and instead adopt science-based policies like other countries have done.
Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada were represented by Marc McLaren-Caux, Jan Nitoslawski, and Adelaide Egan of McMillan LLP.
Dog Rescues Have Shut Their Doors Since the Ban
The CFIA claims the ban is necessary to prevent the spread of dog rabies, but Canada’s approach is out of step with the rest of the world. Rabies is a 100% vaccine-preventable disease, which is why no other Western country has adopted such a sweeping prohibition on rescued dogs. Instead, other nations use science-based measures like vaccinations, antibody testing, and quarantine to keep both dogs and people safe while still allowing compassionate people to help rescued dogs.
But here in Canada, and countless international dog rescue groups have had to wind up their operations. Dogs are left in the cold in the face of desperate need in countries without animal welfare infrastructure, including:
- Dogs rescued from the brutal dog meat trade.
- Dogs dodging bullets in conflict zones.
- Dogs saved from abuse, neglect, and overcrowded shelters where they face euthanasia.
Many of these animals would have found loving families in Canada. But they will never get the chance to welcome them home because of this overbroad and unnecessary policy.
Notable Canadians have used their platforms to raise awareness and push back against the ban, including actor Lauren Ash and Canadian football star Brady Oliviera, who both have their own rescue dogs.
Our Case: Standing Up for Dogs & the People Who Save Them
In court, Animal Justice lawyers argued that the CFIA’s ban is unlawful. The ban is unreasonably restrictive, and the agency failed to consult with rescue groups before imposing it—despite the devastating consequences for both dogs and the organizations working tirelessly to save them.
We’re asking the Federal Court to overturn the ban, and order the government to craft a policy that protects public health without closing Canada’s doors to vulnerable animals.
What Happens Next
The Court heard arguments from both sides today, and we now await a decision. Whatever the outcome, Animal Justice will continue to fight for dogs who deserve a second chance at life and for the compassionate Canadians ready to give it to them.
This case is about more than just one policy—it’s about what kind of country we want to be. Canada has long been a beacon of hope for suffering dogs around the world, and we are hopeful that dog rescue will once again be possible. Join us in urging the government to allow adoptable animals into Canada through exemptions for animal rescues or humanitarian efforts.
