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SAOVA News and Updates Contents Senate passes Farm Bill -- PAWS provisions stripped from Durbin's amendment; new dog import restrictions included Last week, SAOVA issued a statement, widely disseminated, that the controversial and much feared Senate SA 3723 (aka the new PAWS) had been withdrawn. SA 3723 was quietly dropped and its revised import restrictions moved to another amendment, much like a carnival shell game. That December 11, 2007 victory announcement was based on SAOVA's acquisition and review of the text of the revised amendment. That text has now been made public as SA 3619, included below. Whether a total PAWS bill will be re-introduced by Senator Durbin or anyone else in future, either independently or possibly attached to an appropriations bill, remains to be seen. Memories are still fresh of the highly publicized defeat of the original PAWS of 2005. Breeders and individuals may still import dogs under the age limit for their own use, and limitations pertaining to importation of cats have been stricken. The remaining issue is that SA 3619 effectively exempts shelters and rescue groups from the import age restrictions and instead puts the burden of import restrictions mainly on brokers and pet shops. Unless a group such as the AVMA or CDC challenges the exemption on the basis that the public health implications of importing underage puppies are not affected by the amount of money changing hands, lobbying by individuals is not likely to change the amendment. Defeating this attempt to sneak PAWS into law was a major accomplishment. SAOVA thanks everyone who responded so promptly to the call for contacting senators. Your participation was essential to this victory.
The text of the revised amendment follows.
SEC. 32__. IMPORTATION OF LIVE DOGS. (a) In General.--The Animal Welfare Act is amended by adding after section 17 (7 U.S.C. 2147) the following: ``SEC. 18. IMPORTATION OF LIVE DOGS. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Importer.--The term `importer' means any person who, for purposes of resale, transports into the United States puppies from a foreign country. ``(2) Resale.--The term `resale' includes any transfer of ownership or control of an imported dog of less than 6 months of age to another person, for more than de minimis consideration. ``(b) Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), no person shall import a dog into the United States for purposes of resale unless, as determined by the Secretary, the dog-- ``(A) is in good health; ``(B) has received all necessary vaccinations; and ``(C) is at least 6 months of age, if imported for resale. ``(2) Exception.--The Secretary, by regulation, shall provide an exception to any requirement under paragraph (1) in any case in which a dog is imported for-- ``(A) research purposes; or ``(B) veterinary treatment. ``(c) Implementation and Regulations.--The Secretary, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall promulgate such regulations as the Secretaries determine to be necessary to implement and enforce this section. ``(d) Enforcement.--An importer that fails to comply with this section shall-- ``(1) be subject to penalties under section 19; and ``(2) provide for the care (including appropriate veterinary care), forfeiture, and adoption of each applicable dog, at the expense of the importer.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) takes effect on the date of enactment of this Act. PAWS/Farm Bill threat foiled for now As we post this update, the Farm Bill is being debated on the Senate floor. Senator Durbin has revised SA 3723, removing all references to expanded breeder regulation and third-party inspection. Your quick response in opposing SA 3723 succeeded in raising the alarm to the controversy surrounding this amendment - reviving memories of the extended and fierce 2005 PAWS battle. We wish to thank all SAOVA supporters who rallied to our call for action to this devastating legislation. This brief testing of the waters demonstrated once again the importance of remaining vigilant and ready to take immediate action to defend our rights and preserve our sport. It is obvious that the PAWS supporters have not abandoned, only postponed their efforts to license and regulate the private sector. The new amendment contains restrictions on puppy imports which, should they become law, would not only be unenforceable, they wouldn't adequately protect U.S. dogs' health or wellbeing. More on this topic later. SAOVA remains, as always, in the forefront to protect your interests. Watch for further alerts and visit http://saova.org often. PAWS as an amendment to the 2007 Farm Bill Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois has put forward an amendment to the 2007 Farm Bill that contains all of the provisions of PAWS (plus an import-restriction sweetener to induce AKC/AVMA support). The language would end "hobby breeding" of dogs and cats with its impossible requirements. Your help is needed IMMEDIATELY as Farm Bill amendments are being considered starting today, December 10. Don't let YOUR U.S. Senators accept the amendment, SA 3723, as "noncontroversial." For more information, and specific instructions on how to help, please visit http://www.stopsa3723.com . And please spread the word as widely as possible.
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