CFIA statement on an incident involving dogs imported from Ukraine

Statement

June 23, 2020 – Ottawa, Ontario

****Update as of May 15, 2021****
Commercial dogs less than 8 months of age can be imported from Ukraine when they are in compliance with the updated import requirements that came into effect on May 15, 2021.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating the importation of animals, including dogs, into Canada in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that could negatively impact the health of both animals and humans. The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for administering and enforcing this legislation to the extent that it applies at the border.

In general, all dogs imported into Canada must be healthy and fit to travel with no visible signs of illness when leaving their country of origin. They must have the necessary vaccines and be accompanied by the necessary export documentation which are dependent on their age and the purpose of import. CFIA veterinarians are available to provide inspection services at the Pearson Airport when requested by the CBSA.

Once CBSA and/or CFIA staff confirm that import requirements, as per the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations have been met, the CFIA must release the animal(s) to the importer. CFIA has no mandate to be able to follow up on the condition of the animals once they have left the airport.

Most airlines have specific requirements for transporting animals. When handling and transporting live animals, commercial airlines are to follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations (LAR).

In Ontario, the Ministry of the Solicitor General is responsible for the protection and humane treatment of animals in the province.

In the case of the shipment of puppies which arrived at Pearson Airport on June 13, 2020, all live puppies were released to the importers. Given the condition of some of the puppies upon arrival, CFIA staff recommended to the individual importers coming to collect their shipments that these puppies be immediately brought to a local veterinarian for appropriate care.

The CFIA is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. As such, it cannot provide any further details until the investigation is complete.

Should any violations of import requirements be identified, the CFIA will take appropriate enforcement action to address the situation.

Contacts

For media inquiries
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

Page details

Date modified: