Golden introduces amendment to protect sled dog racing in Maine
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today continued his efforts to protect the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent by introducing a bipartisan amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that would block the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new dog importation rule.
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) cosponsored the amendment.
“Sled dog racing is more than an economic catalyst for northern Maine — it’s a distinct part of the region’s identity,” Golden said. “The CDC’s new rule fails to strike a balance between safety and practicality, and it’s clear we need to force regulators back to the drawing board.”
The new CDC rule tightens requirements on dogs crossing the border into the United States. Previously, dogs were only required to have up-to-date and documented rabies vaccinations. The new rule adds age restrictions, microchipping requirements, and additional paperwork estimated to cost sled dog racers and others who bring dogs into the U.S. between $150 and $300 per dog. For a full team of 14 dogs participating in the Can Am, that could mean up to $4,200 in additional expenses every year.
Golden’s amendment would block for one year federal funding from being used to implement and enforce the agency’s proposed rule.
Last week, Golden sent a letter to CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen highlighting the rule’s negative consequences for northern Maine communities and urged the agency to delay implementation while it explores alternative options.
“The future of the Can Am Sled Dogs races are in jeopardy,” Sarah Brooks, vice president of the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races said last week. “The three 2023 races were all won by Canadian women. Seventy-eight percent of our teams in the 100-mile race are Canadian and 78 percent of our racers in the 250-mile race are either Canadian or travel to Fort Kent through Canada. Our races depend on Canadian mushers and teams.”
“I am deeply concerned about the CDC’s recent requirements for bringing dogs into the United States. These measures, though well-intentioned for public health, impose significant financial and logistical burdens on our community and those involved in international events like the Can Am,” Fort Kent Town Manager Suzie Paradis said last week. “The prohibitive costs and complexities of these requirements could discourage families and competitors, impacting not only our local economy but also the vibrant community spirit that these events and pet ownership foster. We urge the CDC to consider alternative solutions that safeguard public health while also supporting our unique cultural and economic needs.”
Full text of Golden’s amendment can be found here.
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