HR 2253

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 21, 2025

Mr. Fitzpatrick (for himself, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Reschenthaler, and Mr. Panetta) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture

A BILL

To amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide for the humane treatment of dogs, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Puppy Protection Act of 2025”.

SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DEALERS.

(a) Humane Treatment of Dogs by Dealers.—Section 13(a) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

“(9) In addition to the requirements under paragraph (2), the standards described in paragraph (1) shall, with respect to dealers, include requirements—

“(A) that such dealer provide adequate housing for dogs that includes—

“(i) completely solid flooring;

“(ii) indoor space sufficient to allow the tallest dog in an enclosure to stand on its hind legs without touching the roof of the enclosure;

“(iii) with respect to dogs over 8 weeks in age, primary enclosures that, with the length of the dog measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, provide at least—

“(I) 12 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog not more than 25 inches long;

“(II) 20 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog more than 25 but not more than 35 inches long; and

“(III) 30 square feet of indoor floor space per each dog more than 35 inches long;

“(iv) enclosures that are not stacked or otherwise placed on top of or below another enclosure; and

“(v) temperature control that—

“(I) is appropriate for the age, breed, and condition of the dogs in the enclosure; and

“(II) is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, when dogs are present in the enclosure;

“(B) that appropriate and nutritious food be provided to each dog at least twice per day, in an amount sufficient to maintain the good health and physical condition of each such dog, except when fasting is directed by a licensed veterinarian in the provision of appropriate veterinary care;

“(C) that each dog has continuous access to potable water that is not frozen and is free of feces, algae, and other contaminants;

“(D) that each dog has adequate exercise, including—

“(i) for dogs over the age of 12 weeks, an outdoor exercise area that—

“(I) is freely accessible from the primary enclosures of such dogs;

“(II) is at ground-level;

“(III) is a solid surface;

“(IV) is enclosed (by a fence or other structure);

“(V) is properly controlled for the safety of the dogs;

“(VI) allows the dog to extend to full stride, play, and engage in other types of mentally stimulating and social behaviors; and

“(VII) is restricted only during nighttime hours (between sunset and sunrise) or during severe inclement weather; or

“(ii) if the dealer obtains a certification from the attending veterinarian stating that the dog should not have unrestricted access to an outdoor exercise area for a specific medical reason, an alternative exercise plan prescribed by the veterinarian for the dog that meets the requirements under section 3.8(a) of title 9, Code of Federal Regulations as in effect on the date of enactment of this paragraph;

“(E) that each dog has meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day that—

“(i) includes positive interaction with a human such as petting, stroking, grooming, feeding, playing with, exercising, or other touching of the dog that is beneficial to the well-being of the dog; and

“(ii) does not include time spent in veterinary care;

“(F) that each dog receives adequate veterinary care and that each dealer maintain updated records of all instances of such care, including—

“(i) prompt treatment by the dealer of any minor or shallow cuts, scrapes, and abrasions;

“(ii) prompt diagnosis and treatment by a licensed veterinarian in any case where symptoms of any transmissible disease or infection or any illness or injury are significant, visible, or evident in the behavior, affect, appetite, or activity level of the dog;

“(iii) a thorough hands-on examination by a licensed veterinarian at least once each year, which shall include a basic dental exam;

“(iv) core vaccinations recommended by the most recent version of the American Animal Hospital Association Canine Vaccination Guidelines as in effect on the date of enactment of this paragraph; and

“(v) medications to prevent intestinal parasites, heartworm disease, fleas, and ticks that are approved by a licensed veterinarian for canine use;

“(G) with respect to safe breeding practices for dogs, including—

“(i) a screening program for known prevalent inheritable diseases that may be disabling or likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of life of the mother or her offspring;

“(ii) prohibiting breeding, unless each dog bred has been screened by a veterinarian prior to each attempt to breed and is found to be free from health conditions that may be disabling to, or likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of life of, the mother or her offspring (as documented by a licensed veterinarian upon examination);

“(iii) prohibiting the breeding of a female dog to produce—

“(I) more than 2 litters in any 25-month period; or

“(II) more than 6 litters in the lifetime of such dog;

“(iv) that female dogs of small breeds, having a maximum weight range at maturity that is below 40 pounds, not be bred—

“(I) before reaching the age of 18 months; or

“(II) after reaching the age of 9 years;

“(v) that female dogs of large breeds, having expected weight ranges at maturity that include 40 or more pounds, not be bred—

“(I) before reaching the age of 2 years; or

“(II) after reaching the age of 7 years; and

“(vi) that any canine caesarian section be performed by a licensed veterinarian;

“(H) that dogs be housed with other dogs, unless health conditions identified by a licensed veterinarian or behavioral issues make group housing unsafe; and

“(I) to make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs (such as with an adoptive family, rescue organization, or other appropriate owner for that dog, and not including selling at auction or otherwise placing a retired breeding dog with another breeder for breeding purposes).”.

(b) Conforming Amendment.—Section 13(a)(2)(B) of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)(2)(B)) is amended by inserting “subject to paragraph (9),” before “for exercise of dogs”.

SEC. 3. REGULATIONS.

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final regulations establishing the standards for the care of dogs by dealers, as required by this Act and the amendments made by this Act. <all>