Rep. Kennedy co-sponsors bill to address CDC pet travel rule

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Western New York Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26) has co-sponsored another bill in Washington, the Homeward Bound Act - introduced by Congresswoman Mary Peltola (D, AK-AL), Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R, ND-AL), Senator Angus King (I, ME), and Senator Kevin Cramer (R, ND) - that addresses the CDC's pet travel rule.

The Homeward Bound Act would give military families, diplomatic families, and service dogs an 18-month waiver from the CDC rule that require all dogs entering the U.S. to be, at least, six-months-old, old enough to be vaccinated against rabies and for the shots to take effect. This bill would eliminate the age requirement, as well as the requirement of microchips for dogs born after enactment of the bill.

"The current CDC rules for pets have created unnecessary red tape, especially for people and families in our community who frequently cross the U.S.-Canadian border," said Congressman Kennedy. "I am proud to join the bipartisan Homeward Bound Act to ease the burden for military families and people with service dogs while keeping people and commerce moving and protecting public health."

In response to the CDC's announcement of the rule change back in May, Congressman Kennedy sent a letter to the CDC expressing concern that the new rule would hurt border communities, including those in Western New York.

In July, Kennedy joined a bipartisan letter urging the CDC to pause the new rule. Later that month, the CDC announced changes to the rule that would reverse certain requirements.

In August, Congressman Kennedy introduced the Border-Crossing and Re-Entry for K9s Act that would permanently pause the CDC Dog Importation Rule for pet owners and dogs traveling from low-risk countries.