The federal government is tightening up the U.S. border to a special kind of immigrant – puppies.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will now impose stricter health and safety standards for dogs being imported into the country.
Pooches entering the U.S. for resale must be vaccinated and in good health and must be at least 6 months old, the Department announced in a statement on Saturday.
“This will help safeguard the imported dogs, the pubic, and our pets and other animals,” Kevin Shea, an administrator for APHIS said.
The new rule applies to dogs being imported into the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii, from other countries and U.S. territories and affects dogs intended for resale but not those imported for research or veterinary medical treatment.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.