Last week, U.S. Senators reintroduced the Puppy Protection Act, which aims to increase federal protections for domestic dogs. The bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.).

The Puppy Protection Act would amend the Animal Welfare Act to require significant improvements to the standards of care required for USDA licensed dog breeders. Large-scale commercial dog breeders who sell to pet stores, brokers or online sight-unseen are required to obtain a USDA license, undergo regular inspections and comply with standards of care defined in the Animal Welfare Act. However, under the minimal standards now in place, breeders can keep dogs in cramped cages with scant protection from bitter cold or scorching hot weather. They can breed female dogs again and again until their bodies give out, even if the dogs have congenital defects that they could pass on to their puppies, generation after generation.

Regulating Puppy Mills and Unethical Breeders

The legislation focuses on increasing standards of care for licensed breeders. For example, breeders would be required to provide solid flooring instead of open cages, ensure adequate space and temperature control, and make a “reasonable effort” to rehome retired dogs instead of killing them. By mandating these changes, the Puppy Protection Act would hold breeders to a higher standard of care and prevent animal cruelty.

Washington Examiner, Rep. Reschenthaler said, “As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I am committed to championing legislation that promotes animal welfare. Too many dogs currently suffer from inhumane conditions and abuse at the hands of commercial breeders.” He added, “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.” Reschenthaler went on to say that he looked “forward to partnering with my colleagues to bring this commonsense bill to the House floor.”

Protecting Dogs Impacts Public Health

There is a strong public health component to this legislation, too. Right now, the USDA allows commercial breeders to avoid taking injured or sick dogs to a veterinarian for hands-on diagnosis and care. This can lead to illnesses going unnoticed or incorrectly diagnosed and sick dogs treated for symptoms only, which could lead to outbreaks of zoonotic disease.

Some of these diseases, such as brucellosis, giardiasis and campylobacteriosis, are not only dangerous for animals but harmful if transmitted to humans. Dozens of people have landed in the hospital after contracting a multi-drug resistant Campylobacter “superbug” from pet store dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which studied two different outbreaks of the disease from 2019 to 2021. If it becomes law, the Puppy Protection Act would address these problems by requiring prompt medical care by a licensed veterinarian.

The Puppy Protection Act is a vital piece of legislation that aims to protect dogs from inhumane conditions and increase federal protections for domestic animals. By mandating increased standards of care for licensed breeders, the Puppy Protection Act aims to put an end to puppy mills and promote animal welfare. Additionally, by protecting animals from disease, the Puppy Protection Act also benefits the general public. As responsible pet owners, it is important to support legislation like the Puppy Protection Act to ensure that our furry friends receive the care and protection they deserve.

You can ask your representatives to cosponsor the Puppy Protection Act, which would help save thousands of dogs from suffering. You can also help puppy mill dogs and other animals by urging your lawmakers to improve living conditions for animals under the Animal Welfare Act.