U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted a failed attempt to import a total of 25 puppies into the United States without proper import permits and vaccinations in one enforcement action.
“I commend the officers for their keen observational skills and interviewing techniques which played a key role in the discoveries,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
The incident occurred on Sunday when a CBP officer referred a Honda Odyssey van driven by a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen who resides in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico for a secondary examination. After conducting a thorough examination of the driver’s personal belongings, CBP officers discovered a total of three duffel bags containing a total of 25 puppies.
CBP officers transferred over the puppies to a local animal shelter in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act. The case was turned over to the Laredo Police Department for further investigation.
The importation of dogs into the United States for resale, whether through commercial sale or adoption, is only allowed if the dogs are in good health, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and the parainfluenza virus. In addition, the dogs must be at least six months of age, and must have an import permit issued by U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
