CFL running back calls on Canada to remove international dog rescue ban

Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back Brady Oliveira is calling for Canada to remove its ban on international dog rescues.

Oliveira is an animal lover, advocate for pet adoption, and dog rescuer who has seen first-hand what some dogs endure in other countries.

He has joined with Animal Justice — a national animal law advocacy organization — in saying the rule that came into effect a year ago prevents dog rescuers from bringing dogs in need to Canada.

“During my rescue mission in Bali and other regions abroad, it was truly mind-blowing to see how many dogs are out there that truly need our help. Rescue groups used to be able to bring adoptable dogs to Canada where the end goal of getting these dogs into their furever homes is much easier,” said Oliveira in a statement.

“Canada’s ban on international dog rescue is a huge setback for the rescue community, leaves dogs to suffer needlessly, and should be overturned.”

Canadian pro football star & dog rescuer @bradyoliveira teams up with Animal Justice to mark the one-year anniversary of Canada's ban on international dog rescue. It's time to END the #DogRescueBan & help give dogs in need a 2nd chance! ????

Act now ➡️ https://t.co/dk8xdpbCCx pic.twitter.com/Ev7HxfjVVh

— Animal Justice (@AnimalJustice) September 28, 2023

• READ MORE: Canada to ban import of dogs from countries considered at high risk for rabies

The ban was imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in an effort to combat rabies.

Animal Justice says Canada used to be a safe haven for dogs living on the streets and in kill shelters due to a robust system of veterinary care, vaccination, flight volunteers, and adoption networks.

Now due to the ban, many dogs are left without a home in war-torn countries, like Ukraine and Afghanistan. Many others are also subject to dog meat trade in countries like the Philippines and China.

“Canadians are generous and compassionate, and thousands of us have already opened our homes and offered a second chance at life to loving rescue dogs from abroad,” said lawyer Camille Labchuk, executive director of Animal Justice.

“Without Canada as a lifeline, dogs are now being abandoned to dodge traffic, starve on the streets, be shot at, or face death in overcrowded, high-kill shelters. We’re calling on the federal government to have a heart, and exempt dog rescue from the ban.”

Animal Justice says Canada is the only Western country with a widespread ban on most international dog adoptions. Additionally, most countries have taken rabies prevention measures — a rabies vaccine — introduced by the World Organization for Animal Health.

Heading to court

Both Animal Justice and rescue group Soi Dog Canada will also be challenging the ban in court.

“In three applications for judicial review filed in Federal Court on Thursday, October 27, Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada argue that the CFIA decision to ban most international dog rescue is unlawful because it is unreasonable, and because the Agency acted unfairly in failing to consult with directly impacted stakeholders,” said Animal Justice in a statement.

Both groups say in the lead-up to the ban, no dog rescue organizations were consulted about the ban.