Golden pushes CDC to delay, rewrite dog importation rules that threaten sled dog racing in Maine
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) today is urging the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to delay the August 1 implementation and explore alternatives to a new rule that threatens the internationally renowned Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races hosted annually in Fort Kent.
“This rule threatens a way of life in northern Maine and the communities and economies supported by sled dog racing," Congressman Golden wrote in a letter to CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen on Tuesday.“I believe the development of these regulations failed to account for the communities I represent.”
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.
“The future of the Can Am Sled Dogs races are in jeopardy,” said Sarah Brooks, vice president of the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races. “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,” said Fort Kent Town Manager Suzie Paradis. “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.”
In his letter, Golden urged Cohen to delay implementation of the new rule until a more workable alternative can be found. The letter is available here, and the entirety of its text is pasted below.
###
July 16, 2024
Dr. Mandy K. Cohen
Director
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
400 7th St, SW
Washington, DC 20024
Dear Doctor Cohen,
I write today to express my concern about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
(CDC) new regulatory requirements for dog importation. The requirements, set to begin August
1, 2024, will add unnecessary regulatory burden and have adverse economic and cultural impacts
on Maine’s communities.
The CDC’s final rule, while well-intentioned, includes age restrictions, rabies vaccination prior
to microchipping, ISO-compatible microchip and additional forms. Currently individuals and
families who wish to cross the US-Canadian border with a pet only need proof of a valid rabies
vaccination. The new rule is a drastic departure from current practice, and I have heard from my
constituents that if implemented, compliance would be nearly impossible.
Maine has a rich history of sled dog racing, particularly in the communities along the Northern
Border, and many of my constituents have relatives and friends who live across the border. For
decades the town of Fort Kent, Maine has held the internationally renowned Can Am Crown
International Sled Dog Races (CanAm), which attracts sled dog teams from across the country
and relies heavily on Canadian participants. The race is a fundamental part of northern Maine’s
heritage while also playing a vital role in their economies by attracting fans and sponsors to the
area for the events.
To comply with the new regulations, it will cost Canadian participants anywhere between $150-
$300 per dog. With teams of 14 dogs that is over $2,000-$4,200 in additional expenses. Since
many of these teams participate in more than one US race they will incur this expense multiple
times during a season. This is cost prohibitive. Due to the shortage of veterinarians on both sides
of the border, in addition to the additional expense, compliance will be a challenge if not
impossible.
This rule threatens the way of life in northern Maine. Without revisiting the regulations and
making changes, the new requirements will significantly impact my local constituents and the
economy. I believe the development of these regulations failed to account for the communities I
represent.
I urge the CDC to delay implementing this rule and explore alternative measures that would
protect public health while also recognizing the unique circumstances of dog owners who live in
proximity to the United States-Canadian border.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter, I look forward to hearing from
you.
Respectfully,
Jared Golden
Member of Congress