New Rules for Import of dogs to USA

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by gemy

To answer your question generally no. What I was talking about in main were Rare Breeds. ANd hey Rare means just that Rare. As breeders we source our breeding dogs from many countries, and place our puppies and breeding dogs all over the world, and yes in the USA. The breed I breed has maybe 24 breeders in all of Canada and maybe triple that in the USofA.

I have posted in the past - right now in the largest City in Canada, we have less than 50 dogs in shelters waiting for adoption. This is a city of approximately 4million folks. Of course the caveat is and is always is with dog statistics there is no confidence on accurate reporting, as there are no laws and no 0verseeing independent body that requires audited numbers.

And we Canada took in many many dogs from Hurricane Katrina, and of course the rate of heartworm went up, those poor dogs have been through so much. So yes Canada imported compassionately many dogs that were victims of Hurricane Katrina. My point is, if there are regions where south or north of the border one or the other have dogs that could fulfill a need and be placed, why shouldn't dogs cross the border for placement.

That might explain why a 300,000 number imported into the USA was reported by the Dept of Agriculture. Of course again the caveat is I have not been able (yet again!!!) to source this number from the Dept of Agriculture.

And now to answer your first question - do breeders do screening of course we do! And probably just like in the US of A the screening protocols will vary by state by agency, by individual breeder. I can tell you that the SPCA in Montreal had no flocking idea how to screen a good buyer for the breed I breed. They had probably never ever seen even one before they assumed responsibility for the largest seizure anywhere for our breed. And that number was 19 dogs!!!!!!!!

As you might know I am active in my own breed rescue. I screened quite deeply applicants. And we have some rigorous requirements. First and foremost is the commitment to continued obedience training for our dogs. And yes vet check references et al. They must demonstrate that they have a trainer in place and a willingness to do the training. Ideally they have owned and trained working dogs before. They commit to never sending their dog to a shelter, but back to us the rescue. They commit to heartworm preventatives, and appropriate and timely vet care. And we follow up....

And I will place my puppy in any qualified home. Why? Because I don't expect after my vetting of the application and my contract provides for provision that if anything goes wrong send the puppy/adult back to me!!

OK I am really confused. You say there are only 50 homeless dogs there. So WHY would 300,000 have been exported to the US? Or how? If you don't have a problem, where did they come from??

As to regions in the US needing dogs???....I hardly think given the 2.7 million dogs that are euthanized yearly here, that we really need a lot of dogs from another country. There are groups that transport to other states that need more...I have concerns about that as well but at least it is not coming from another country. In my mind, to hell with people who want one that they could find here...makes me bad? OK..I will wear the bad badge with pleasure. I am sick to my stomach over the amount of dogs we kill here.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

OK I am really confused. You say there are only 50 homeless dogs there. So WHY would 300,000 have been exported to the US? Or how? If you don't have a problem, where did they come from??

As to regions in the US needing dogs???....I hardly think given the 2.7 million dogs that are euthanized yearly here, that we really need a lot of dogs from another country. There are groups that transport to other states that need more...I have concerns about that as well but at least it is not coming from another country. In my mind, to hell with people who want one that they could find here...makes me bad? OK..I will wear the bad badge with pleasure. I am sick to my stomach over the amount of dogs we kill here.

Linda the 300,000 dogs that were reported are from I assume all over the place, and not just from Canada. As I have stated I have yet to find the stats from Dept of Agriculture in the USA.

And while Ontario represents at least 30% of the population of Canada and Toronto by far the largest city, I was quoting numbers from Toronto, not all of Canada.

And where is the 2.7 million dogs euthanized coming from? What is the breakdown of dogs euthanized and for what reason? Are these audited numbers?

[mimimomo]

Common Questions about Animal Shelters : The Humane Society of the United States


How many animals enter animal shelters each year? And how many are euthanized?

The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. At this time, there is no central data reporting agency for animal shelters, so these numbers are estimates; however, the Asilomar Accords method is gaining momentum as a standard for more accurately tracking these numbers. Annual statistics for approximately 150 shelters across the country are posted at asilomaraccords.org. You can help us develop a more accurate picture of the problem by encouraging your local shelters to report their data.
In the 1970s, American shelters euthanized 12-20 million dogs and cats, at a time when there were 67 million pets in homes. Today, shelters euthanize around 2.7 million animals, while there are more than 135 million dogs and cats in homes. This enormous decline in euthanasia numbers—from around 25 percent of American dogs and cats euthanized every year to about 3 percent—represents substantial progress. We will make still greater progress by working together to strike at the roots of animal overpopulation.

[swan]

I don't have a huge problem with the change in the law. I don't think it will effect that many people and waiting a month or two may not be the worst thing when importing a dog.

Living in Florida I have seen the invasive species problem first hand and its a mess. But that is a whole other issue I won't go into on this thread. I get to worry about giant Burmese Pythons hurting my dogs, thank you irresponsible pet owners.

I don't trust a word from the HSUS, "estimates". It is not the same as cold, hard, statistics. I keep seeing 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year. I would like to look deeper into the numbers, real numbers not estimates.

A proper accounting of the data is so important if we want to have a rational, productive discussion about the issue. Otherwise, we just start arguing with each other when, ultimately, we all want the same thing. Fewer dogs in rescues.

I feel like the rescue culture encourages irresponsibility. While attempting to besmirch people who act responsibly.

It's not rocket science, its way, way, more complicated.

[ladyjane]

Here, let me share what goes on in Houston. The shelters are terribly overwhelmed...one weekend recently, the city shelter took in 400 animals. Hard to comprehend. There are rescues whose mission is to save the homeless dogs on the streets. There are dogs all over, sick and starving...the pictures make me sick when I see them. The problem is so horrible....here is an article about it for those who might be interested:

Animal welfare groups hit the streets to rescue strays as situation reaches crisis point - Houston Chronicle

[swan]

Ladyjane thank you for sharing that story, much respect to the good people in Houston who are out there on the streets helping these dogs in need.

I don't intend to sound cold or insensitive. Its very easy to do when talking about numbers on a message board. If I do I sincerely apologize. I love dogs and have two rescues chilling with me right now. I am trying to look at this issue on a large scale

Houston also has triple the rate of violent crime, property crime, and addiction than the national avg.

Crime rate in Houston, Texas (TX): murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, arson, law enforcement employees, police officers statistics

Perhaps, if those issues were addressed, Houston wouldn't have large packs of stray dogs running the streets, attacking children, and overwhelming shelters.

[ladyjane]

I am not going to discuss what the solution is for Houston. I merely pointed out what I see in this area in terms of irresponsible pet ownership. Sadly it happens all over the country..maybe not just like Houston, but dogs are dumped right and left. Very sad.

Anyone who thinks the numbers of dogs euthanized is being exaggerated has their heads in the sand imho. I see what happens all over and trust me, it is not a good picture for animals.

[gemy]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

Common Questions about Animal Shelters : The Humane Society of the United States


How many animals enter animal shelters each year? And how many are euthanized?

The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. At this time, there is no central data reporting agency for animal shelters, so these numbers are estimates; however, the Asilomar Accords method is gaining momentum as a standard for more accurately tracking these numbers. Annual statistics for approximately 150 shelters across the country are posted at asilomaraccords.org. You can help us develop a more accurate picture of the problem by encouraging your local shelters to report their data.
In the 1970s, American shelters euthanized 12-20 million dogs and cats, at a time when there were 67 million pets in homes. Today, shelters euthanize around 2.7 million animals, while there are more than 135 million dogs and cats in homes. This enormous decline in euthanasia numbers—from around 25 percent of American dogs and cats euthanized every year to about 3 percent—represents substantial progress. We will make still greater progress by working together to strike at the roots of animal overpopulation.

Thank you for posting that information.

[AlecM]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I want proof of heartworm prevention with past dogs (

Just curious, how would you get proof of heartworm prevention? I buy Shelby's online and administer @ home - doubt I have all the eReceipts....

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by AlecM

Just curious, how would you get proof of heartworm prevention? I buy Shelby's online and administer @ home - doubt I have all the eReceipts....

Does your vet give you a prescription for it? That is one way and yes, good to save receipts. Also, do you test for heartworms yearly? That is not proof, but it is good to do.

[lisaly]

Originally Posted by AlecM

Just curious, how would you get proof of heartworm prevention? I buy Shelby's online and administer @ home - doubt I have all the eReceipts....

You might be interested in reading this:
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...ve-online.html

[107barney]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Does your vet give you a prescription for it? That is one way and yes, good to save receipts. Also, do you test for heartworms yearly? That is not proof, but it is good to do.

I have been buying from my vet but I am definitely making sure I have my papers in order now that my dogs are on pet insurance.

[swan]

Originally Posted by mimimomo

Common Questions about Animal Shelters : The Humane Society of the United States


How many animals enter animal shelters each year? And how many are euthanized?

The HSUS estimates that animal shelters care for 6-8 million dogs and cats every year in the United States, of whom approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. At this time, there is no central data reporting agency for animal shelters, so these numbers are estimates;

Here are links to the tax returns filed by the HSUS; they are not estimates.

2011
http://media.newsnet5.com/uploads/WE...011Form990.pdf

2010

http://media.newsnet5.com/uploads/WE...010Form990.pdf

2009

http://media.newsnet5.com/uploads/WE...009Form990.pdf

If you don't feel like reading the IRS tax returns the audit is essentially this.

Over the three year period the HSUS raised over $509,000,000 of which 5% was spent on grants and programs inside the United States.

HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle earned over $260,000 in 2011

HSUS contributes more dollars to its own pension fund than to pet shelters.

My head is upright thank you, my eyes are wide open.

[ladyjane]

I don't think many would argue with you about the HSUS or the SPCA and their finances. I am not a fan for many reasons.

If you think an outrageous amount of animals are not killed in the US, I honestly don't know what to say. Perhaps volunteer at a shelter to watch? I don't know what part of FL you are in, but I would say Miami-Dade might be a place to volunteer.

[swan]

Ladyjane, I think you and I can both agree that just one, healthy, happy, pet euthanized in a shelter is a sickening disgrace. It troubles me as well.

We should support our local animal shelters who do make a big difference and we also need to support our local, reputable breeders that are getting hammered by new laws that don't solve the problem that lead to shelters being overwhelmed.