Golden, Tenney introduce bipartisan resolution to block unnecessary dog importation rules, protect sled dog racing
WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to reverse the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new dog importation rule that threatens sled dog racing in northern Maine.
The resolution was submitted under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows Congress to override administrative rulemaking. It would require the CDC to rewrite its proposed rule to be practical for mushers and race organizers.
“Communities suffer when rulemakers from away don’t consider the full consequences of their actions,” Golden said. “I’m proud of this bipartisan effort to stop the CDC in their tracks and allow for a new, more workable proposal to be crafted.”
“The CDC must ease the stringent dog import rules that place an undue burden on families in Western New York,” Tenney said. “We hope that the introduction of this CRA will compel the CDC to reconsider these excessive measures and pursue an approach that safeguards public health without creating significant hardship for pet owners.”
The new CDC rule tightens requirements on dogs crossing the border into the United States, jeopardizing the internationally renowned Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent.
Previously, dogs were required only 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.
Last month, 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 following week, he and Tenney introduced an amendment to the federal budget that would effectively block the proposal for one year.
Following initial advocacy from Golden and others, the CDC agreed to reverse one element of the new rule. But members of communities affected by the stricter regulations say more needs to be done to craft a workable standard.
“The relaxing of the CDC's regulations have helped tremendously for the mushers wanting to participate in the 2025 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race. We are thankful to everyone who has helped with this. However, we are very concerned about what direction the CDC will go after April 2025,” Sarah Brooks, vice president of the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races said. “We realize that a lot more work has to be done to ensure that these regulations continue to be eased and a workable solution can be found to easily cross the border with dogs. The future of the Can-Am races depends on future developments with the CDC. Congressman Golden has done a super job of championing our cause. Thank you Congressman Golden and your staff.”
“As a long time competitor in both the American and Canadian Kennel Clubs, plus current Vice President of the Central Aroostook Kennel Club, I appreciate the CDC’s efforts to protect both U.S. citizens and their dogs from rabies and other communicable diseases. However, the CDC’s efforts failed to acknowledge the interconnections and frequent cross border community activities that occur daily.” Kathy Hoppe, vice president of the Central Aroostook Kennel Club said. “The resulting rules are disruptive, flawed and prevent our communities from thriving. We appreciate Representative Golden and his staff’s effort to understand the issues and look for solutions.”
Full text of the resolution can be found here.
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