The Sportsmen’s Alliance is the only organization fighting for the millions of dog owners, breeders, and hunters worldwide whose lifestyles and livelihoods are threatened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) arbitrary and illegal dog import rule—dubbed the “Puppy Ban.” Since the rule’s implementation, the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (SAF) has led a relentless legal battle to protect responsible dog enthusiasts from unprecedented government overreach.
Background
In late 2024, the CDC enacted a sweeping rule that prohibits all dogs under six months of age and those without microchips from entering the United States, even if they originate from countries the CDC deems rabies-free. The SAF immediately mobilized, first by notifying the government that the HHS and CDC’s Dog-Import Rule Is Illegal. When the agencies refused to budge, the SAF filed suit in federal court, affirming that the Sportsmen’s Alliance Sues CDC on Dog-Import Rule.
The core of our legal argument is simple: the CDC has unlawfully expanded its authority under the Public Health Service Act and the rule is arbitrary and capricious. We filed a Sportsmen’s Alliance motion to halt the CDC dog rule, arguing that the CDC continues to wrongfully claim power to limit dog imports. After a complex period of briefing, we finalized our injunction request on the CDC puppy ban to protect our members from immediate harm.
Impact to Hunters
This ban is not about public health; it is a direct assault on sporting dog enthusiasts. For hunters and competitive dog owners, puppies must be acquired between 8 and 12 weeks of age for critical socialization and training. Forcing a delay until six months is detrimental to the dogs’ development and threatens centuries-old, globally-sourced bloodlines for breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Drahthaars, and Beagles. Although a magistrate judge recommended denial of the injunction request (a decision to which the SAF strongly objected), our legal team stood firm, continuing to argue the lawfulness of the CDC puppy ban in federal district court, even as the district judge formally adopted the denial.
Where We Stand Now
Unwilling to let the CDC inflict irreparable damage on responsible dog owners, the SAF immediately appealed the decision. Our updates informed members that the SAF Appeals Denial of Injunction to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. We filed our Opening Brief in the appeal, followed by the Final Brief challenging the CDC’s Puppy Ban. After months of intensive legal maneuvering, a date was set for oral arguments. Our legal team prepared for the hearing, informing supporters that the SAF was set to present oral arguments to the Sixth Circuit. The most recent status confirmed that the CDC Puppy Ban Sixth Circuit is set to hear oral arguments Dec. 12. The Sportsmen’s Alliance remains the sole, determined voice challenging this draconian rule and upholding the rights of dog owners, breeders, and hunters across the globe.
Help Us Fight for You
Your tax-deductible donation to the Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund directly supports our legal fights in courtrooms nationwide. The Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund was established to represent sportsmen in lawsuits that affect your ability to hunt, fish, trap and own firearms. Its funding ensures the sportsman’s voice is heard above the rhetoric of anti-hunting groups.
Join the fight for your hunting and fishing future by donating to the Sportsmen’s Legal Defense Fund today!
