Comment from John Yezeguielian

is already very well protected by state laws, along with Guam and all other island areas mentioned. They need no further protections. The mainland does not either, as there is no problem or issue being resolved. It costs too much to ship dogs for a puppy mill operation to be their target. Research? No, there are exceptions for Research. Prohibiting canines under 6 months of age just makes it even more expensive and complicated to import a dog. Adding this import permit isn't going to safeguard anything. The importers have a far greater interest in the health of the genetics they're bringing in than APHIS could. It just adds more bureaucratic red tape to an already complicated world. If APHIS really wants to make a difference, they can start right here in the State, by getting serious about with the puppy mills and dolphinariums and their deplorable conditions and actions. Wording of acceptable veterinary standards of vaccination is vague at best; Vets don't have a real consensus on vaccinations! Owing to the practicalities of importing dogs, this regulation is entirely unnecessary. Meanwhile, the cruelty and long-term psychological/behavioral effects of waiting until a pup is 6 months old to import it is far greater than any risk this regulation may resolve. We don't need or want this regulation. It does more harm than good, and adds unnecessary burden to those attempting to improve their dogs and the breeds.