A group of bipartisan lawmakers in the House introduced a bill that would seek to increase regulations for dog breeders in order to crack down on animal abuse and the inhumane treatment of puppies.
The Puppy Protection Act, introduced on Monday, would implement a number of requirements for federally licensed breeders nationwide that aim to improve the breeding, housing, and veterinary care of puppies. The legislation specifically targets the inhumane practices often associated with puppy mills that seek to breed dogs quickly and in poor living conditions.
GOP SENATOR SLAMS DOD FOR ‘PRIORITIZING’ DIVERSITY INITIATIVES OVER MILITARY INVESTMENTS
“As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am committed to championing legislation that promotes animal welfare,” Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), who co-introduced the bill, said. “Too many dogs currently suffer from inhumane conditions and abuse at the hands of commercial breeders. The Puppy Protection Act will protect these animals and put puppy mills on a short leash by holding them to a higher standard of care. I look forward to partnering with my colleagues to bring this commonsense bill to the House floor.”
Under the legislation, dog breeders would be required to improve their housing and breeding standards by ensuring adequate housing and veterinary care. This includes requirements to provide solid flooring in the puppies’ living space, sufficient indoor space that allows each dog to stand on its hind legs without touching the roof of the enclosure, and temperature regulation.
The bill would also mandate dog breeders to provide puppies with appropriate nutrition, feeding each dog at least twice a day with a “sufficient” amount to “maintain [their] good health and physical condition.” Breeders must ensure dogs have access to potable water at all times that is free from contamination.
“Dogs stacked on top of one another — no room for them to stand up. No regular exercise. Rampant viruses and dirty cages. These are the conditions faced by too many dogs at the hands of too many commercial dog breeders,” Rep. James McGovern (D-MA) said. “Our best friends deserve better, and this bipartisan bill gives dogs the proper, commonsense safeguards any owner would want for their pet.”
Puppies raised by breeders must have consistent access to exercise and socialization, according to the legislation. The bill defines “meaningful socialization” as spending at least 30 minutes a day with humans and other “compatible” dogs that includes “positive interaction,” such as petting, grooming, playing, or exercise.
Dogs must also receive adequate veterinary care from breeders, including prompt treatment for any and all diseases or injuries, as well as an annual examination by a licensed veterinarian. Breeders must provide any necessary vaccinations or medications.
The legislation would also crack down on breeding practices, implementing restrictions on the practice unless the dog has been found free from disabling medical conditions. Breeders would also be prohibited from forcing dogs to produce more than two litters in any 18-month period or more than six litters throughout their entire lifetime.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Lawmakers would also seek to ensure that all dogs who are used for breeding are placed in housing with an adoptive family or rescue organization after retiring. The bill would specifically block breeders from transferring those dogs to another breeder.
"For most Americans, it’s a natural inclination to see and treat our dogs like family. We want to make sure that they live in safe, healthy, and happy environments. Unfortunately, not everyone holds the same standard, and as a result, tens of thousands of dogs in large-scale commercial breeding facilities suffer in cramped cages that deny their most basic needs and comfort. The Puppy Protection Act sets a higher benchmark of care for those animals to guarantee that their start to life is a healthier one," Sara Amundson, the president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, said.