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  4. CBP Officers Intercept Attempt to Unlawfully Import 25 Puppies at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge

CBP Officers Intercept Attempt to Unlawfully Import 25 Puppies at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge

Release Date
Tue, 09/25/2018

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers intercepted a failed attempt to import a total of 25 puppies into the United States without proper import permits and vaccinations in one enforcement action.

“I commend the officers for their keen observational skills and interviewing techniques which played a key role in the discoveries,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.  

CBP officers discovered a total of 25 puppies hidden in duffel bags in a passegner vehicle at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge without proper import permits or vacinnations
CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge
discovered a total of 25 puppies hidden in
duffel bags in a passenger vehicle. The driver
lacked proper import permits and vaccination
records for the puppies and the case was turned
over to Laredo Police Department for further
investigation.

The incident occurred on Sunday, Sep. 23, when a CBP officer referred a Honda Odyssey van driven by a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen who resides in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico for a secondary examination. After conducting a thorough examination of the driver’s personal belongings, CBP officers discovered a total of three duffel bags containing a total of 25 puppies.

CBP officers transferred over the puppies to a local animal shelter in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act. The case was turned over to the Laredo Police Department for further investigation.

The importation of dogs into the United States for resale, whether through commercial sale or adoption, is only allowed if the dogs are in good health, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and the parainfluenza virus. In addition, the dogs must be at least six months of age, and must have an import permit issued by U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

For more information about CBP, please click on the attached link.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021