{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pushes-cdc-to-delay-rewrite-dog-importation-rules-that-threaten-sled-dog-racing-in-maine", "Golden pushes CDC to delay, rewrite dog importation rules that threaten sled dog racing in Maine", "2024-07-17", "2024", "2024-07", "Democrat", "House", "ME", "Jared F. Golden", "G000592", "golden.house.gov", "golden", "https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2014 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.\n\n\u201cThis 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. \u201cI believe the development of these regulations failed to account for the communities I represent.\u201d\n\nThe 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.\n\n\u201cThe future of the Can Am Sled Dogs races are in jeopardy,\u201d said Sarah Brooks, vice president of the Can Am Crown International Sled Dog Races. \u201cThe 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.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am deeply concerned about the CDC\u2019s 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,\u201d said Fort Kent Town Manager Suzie Paradis. \u201cThe 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.\u201d\n\nIn 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.\n\n###\n\nJuly 16, 2024\n\nDr. Mandy K. Cohen\n\nDirector\n\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention\n\n400 7th St, SW\n\nWashington, DC 20024\n\nDear Doctor Cohen,\n\nI write today to express my concern about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s\n\n(CDC) new regulatory requirements for dog importation. The requirements, set to begin August\n\n1, 2024, will add unnecessary regulatory burden and have adverse economic and cultural impacts\n\non Maine\u2019s communities.\n\nThe CDC\u2019s final rule, while well-intentioned, includes age restrictions, rabies vaccination prior\n\nto microchipping, ISO-compatible microchip and additional forms. Currently individuals and\n\nfamilies who wish to cross the US-Canadian border with a pet only need proof of a valid rabies\n\nvaccination. The new rule is a drastic departure from current practice, and I have heard from my\n\nconstituents that if implemented, compliance would be nearly impossible.\n\nMaine has a rich history of sled dog racing, particularly in the communities along the Northern\n\nBorder, and many of my constituents have relatives and friends who live across the border. For\n\ndecades the town of Fort Kent, Maine has held the internationally renowned Can Am Crown\n\nInternational Sled Dog Races (CanAm), which attracts sled dog teams from across the country\n\nand relies heavily on Canadian participants. The race is a fundamental part of northern Maine\u2019s\n\nheritage while also playing a vital role in their economies by attracting fans and sponsors to the\n\narea for the events.\n\nTo comply with the new regulations, it will cost Canadian participants anywhere between $150-\n\n$300 per dog. With teams of 14 dogs that is over $2,000-$4,200 in additional expenses. Since\n\nmany of these teams participate in more than one US race they will incur this expense multiple\n\ntimes during a season. This is cost prohibitive. Due to the shortage of veterinarians on both sides\n\nof the border, in addition to the additional expense, compliance will be a challenge if not\n\nimpossible.\n\nThis rule threatens the way of life in northern Maine. Without revisiting the regulations and\n\nmaking changes, the new requirements will significantly impact my local constituents and the\n\neconomy. I believe the development of these regulations failed to account for the communities I\n\nrepresent.\n\nI urge the CDC to delay implementing this rule and explore alternative measures that would\n\nprotect public health while also recognizing the unique circumstances of dog owners who live in\n\nproximity to the United States-Canadian border.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this important matter, I look forward to hearing from\n\nyou.\n\nRespectfully,\n\nJared Golden", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T18:32:29Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://golden.house.gov/media/press-releases/golden-pushes-cdc-to-delay-rewrite-dog-importation-rules-that-threaten-sled-dog-racing-in-maine"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.8594440296292305, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}