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CVMA Reaffirms Stance Calling for the Halt on Mass Commercial Dog Importations
Nov 23, 2020
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is once again calling for the cessation of mass commercial dog importations following CBC Marketplace’s recent investigation into this industry and its harmful impact on imported animals and their prospective owners.
Thousands of dogs, including young puppies, are imported into the country each year for sale to Canadians. The exact numbers are unknown as no data are collected by the federal government. Existing import requirements are minimal and animal transport regulations are often not well-enforced leading to the CVMA’s, and others’, concerns that serious animal and human diseases could be introduced into Canada. In addition, the CVMA is very concerned about the welfare of animals that are sometimes very young, suffering from disease, or may have breed characteristics (such as short noses) that make them susceptible to transport related stress.
The CVMA encourages anyone contemplating buying or adopting a pet to take the time to practice due diligence in assessing the source of their animal. See the Selecting and Owning a Pet section on the CVMA’s website for more guidance. Prospective owners are called upon to educate themselves on potential health risks, speak to their veterinarians for advice, and source pets from local shelters or breeders who have demonstrated a commitment to animal health and good temperament. Hopeful buyers are urged to exercise caution when considering purchasing or adopting animals from online marketing sites as sellers have been known to misrepresent themselves by claiming to be breeders when they are in fact “brokers”.
Local breeders should allow you to interact with your new pet, its littermates, and assess one or both parents. In general, puppies under eight weeks of age should still be with their mother. Not only will well regarded breeders answer all of your questions, but they will likely ask you many questions to ensure the pet is suitable for you, that it will be provided a safe and healthy environment, and you are prepared for a long-term commitment. Waiting periods to buy animals from breeders range from months to years, therefore a prospective buyer is urged to reflect on the potential risks of purchasing an animal that is offered for immediate sale.
The CVMA is working with other stakeholder groups to lobby the federal government for changes to improve import requirements and is advocating for improved enforcement of existing animal transport regulations. The CVMA is also working with Canadian veterinary colleges, government, and others to develop data sources to better understand the number of dogs entering Canada, their origins, and their health status.