CDC Lawsuit Update: How a Policy Is Grounding Rescue Dogs
Potcake Rescue is part of a class action lawsuit against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), challenging a recent policy that prevents any dog under six months old from entering the United States.
While this rule was created to prevent the spread of rabies, it has devastating consequences for shelters and rescues across The Bahamas — a country that is, notably, rabies-free.
🐾 The Impact on Rescue Work
This restriction means that young puppies must stay in shelters for at least two extra months before they can travel to their new homes. During that time:
Shelters remain overcrowded, unable to take in new rescues.
Socialization opportunities for growing puppies are limited.
Operating costs — food, medical care, and staffing — rise significantly.
By the time these Potcakes reach six months, many are too large to fly in-cabin on commercial airlines. Instead, they must travel on private flights, increasing costs for both adopters and shelters.
Photo courtesy Abaco Shelter
✈️ Pepper and Pearl’s Story
In this photo, you can see Pepper and Pearl, two white pups huddled together shortly after intake. After waiting two long months under this policy, they finally reached their forever homes — but only after a costly flight.
We’re thrilled they made it safely, but this system isn’t sustainable. Every delay strains shelters and prevents new rescues from being saved.
Photo courtesy Abaco Shelter
❤️ Why This Matters
This isn’t just about logistics — it’s about lives.
The Bahamas has no cases of rabies, yet its shelters and rescuers are being held back by a policy that simply doesn’t fit reality.
Potcake Rescue stands with our partners and fellow advocates in urging the CDC to reconsider. Puppies like Pepper and Pearl deserve timely, safe journeys to their forever homes — not bureaucratic delays.
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