TORONTO—National animal law organization Animal Justice and dog rescue group Soi Dog Canada, along with more than 50 dog rescue groups operating in Canada and around the world, have signed a letter urging the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to revisit its ban on importing rescue dogs from over 100 countries. Though introduced as a “temporary” move in 2022, the sweeping ban has now been in place for more than three years and the CFIA has refused to say when it will be replaced with permanent measures.
The stop-gap measure was introduced in 2022, barring the entry of dogs—including rescued dogs destined for adoption or fostering—from countries deemed at high risk for rabies. The list of prohibited countries includes war-torn countries like Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Haiti, as well as countries such as Vietnam, China and the Philippines where groups rescue dogs from the cruel dog meat trade.
In the letter, the groups urge the CFIA to replace the temporary ban with permanent, science-based rules that protect public health while allowing responsible rescues to resume. The organizations note that the United States and all EU nations now permit dog imports from higher-risk nations under strict vaccination and testing requirements, consistent with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) guidelines.
“The CFIA’s ban was supposed to be a temporary response, not a permanent barrier to saving dogs in need,” said Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy with Animal Justice. “There are proven, science-based measures that can keep Canadians safe while allowing vital rescue operations to continue. Canada is truly a global outlier, needlessly leaving dogs to suffer and die in the dog meat trade and on the streets abroad, rather than allowing them to find loving homes here in Canada.”
“For over three years, responsible rescue groups like Soi Dog Canada have been unable to bring healthy dogs to adoptive homes here,” said Lisa Wagner, president and adoptions manager of Soi Dog Canada. “This fight is far from over. We’re urging the CFIA to adopt the safe, successful approaches used elsewhere so we can once again give vulnerable dogs a second chance.”
The letter follows a court decision on October 22, which upheld the federal dog import ban. Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada sought to have the ban overturned as unlawful and unfair due to the lack of consultation with affected rescue organizations with extensive expertise in international dog welfare and transport.
Animal Justice leads the legal fight for animals in Canada, with lawyers working to pass strong new animal protection laws, pushing to hold industries accountable for animal abuse, and fighting on behalf of animals in court.
Soi Dog Canada works to improve the welfare of dogs and cats in Asia, resulting in better lives for both the animal and human communities.
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager, Animal Justice
[email protected]
Lisa Wagner
President and Adoptions Manager, Soi Dog Canada
[email protected]