Hi Yorkie Talkers, my name is Gina too and I have spent the last hour and a half enjoying this thread, from way back 2006, 2007 until recently. I was kind of hoping it wouldn't have found closure, especially since I can confirm there IS a law that says you can't import pups younger than 6 months!
Here is a summary of the law from a report done by a researcher for Congress. I have this via Deborah Howard, she is the president (and a lawyer) of
C.A.P.S. Companion Animals Protection Society Puppy Imports; Penalties for AWA Violations
The 2008 farm bill also requires regulations to prohibit imports for resale of dogs unless they are at least six months of age, in good health, and have all necessary vaccinations, with exemptions for research, veterinary treatment, or imports into Hawaii from certain countries. Another section
7 CRS Report 94-731, Brief Summaries of Federal Animal Protection Statutes, by Vivian S. Chu. 8 Another bill, H.R. 3327, included the provisions of H.R. 3219 and S. 1880, as well as language to enable animal
humane agencies to initiate civil actions where violations are alleged.
Congressional Research Service 5
The Animal Welfare Act: Background and Selected Legislation
(Section 14214) increases the maximum penalty for a general violation of the act from the current $2,500 to $10,000 for each violation.
Only problem is, the USDA still has to implement it in order for it to be able to be applied (whatever that means). They have to set the rules, or something. Another attorney said this law has certainly been effective since September 1, 2011. Only again, nobody has yet enforced it. Who can enforce it...
Either way, there are plenty of puppy brokers who import from Korea and who violate this law!
Anyone who has more info about Star Yorkie, or who recently purchased one of their puppies, or when it turned out to be a sick animal, for our inventory and research, please send an email to
friendsforlife2020@gmail.com
And thank you (most of you anyway) for showing such great common sense about how and where and why not to buy a puppy or dog.
Thank you,
Gina