To the Editor:

NCN recently reported that an animal rescue/adoption operation which imports dogs from war torn countries and Chinese meat markets is seeking a special use permit in the Town of Canton. The St. Lawrence County Planning Board has already denied the No Dogs Left Behind permit; having discussed the need for an environmental impact study, humane care for the dogs and potential threats to residents in the county.

But the Canton Town Planning Board will have the final say. In my opinion, they should deny this permit as well.

The primary reason is that according to a warning posted on the Center for Disease Control website, foreign dogs introduce diseases and parasites that can endanger dogs and people in our communities. (https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/get-the-facts.html#print)

Beginning 3/1/23, all dogs entering the US from the over 100 listed high-risk rabies countries must have a valid CDC Dog Import Permit and a CDC Rabies Vaccination and Microchip Record. Fraudulent operations can falsify such documents. Does the Town of Canton intend to individually monitor the records of 50-500 dogs being brought to this proposed facility? Does the town have liability when an infected dog harms another animal or a resident?

Even if the dogs are initially examined by a vet upon arrival, difficult-to-treat parasitic diseases like leishmaniasis can go undetected for 3-18 months before symptoms begin to appear. Suddenly that newly-adopted pet is vomiting and extremely ill. The vet bills mount while a spreadable infection has gone undiagnosed.

The second reason for concern is that these traumatized, feral animals being captured, forced into crates, shipped and flown thousands of miles aren’t necessarily socialized animals. These stressed dogs require specialized handling and, in the end, may not be suitable for adoption. What then?

There is no doubt that we, as pet-lovers, are saddened by the tragedy of dogs abandoned in war-torn countries or being slaughtered in service to Chinese meat markets. But rescued dogs being brought into the US carry many unnecessary risks.

St. Lawrence County shelters and their volunteers are already overwhelmed in their efforts to place pets into loving homes. I think the Canton Town Planning Board should reject the permit request by No Dogs Left Behind and encourage support for local adoptions instead.

Please join in voicing your objections to foreign rescue dogs being unnecessarily introduced into our communities.

Martha Hodges
Massena