# The Puppy Protection Act of 2021

This bill sets strict new rules for dog breeders and dealers who sell puppies to make sure the animals are treated humanely. Right now, the federal Animal Welfare Act covers dogs, but it doesn't have detailed requirements specifically for how breeders must house and care for them. This bill fills that gap by establishing concrete standards that breeders would have to follow.

The bill requires breeders to provide dogs with solid flooring (not wire cages), enough indoor space so dogs can stand on their hind legs without hitting the ceiling, and specific square footage requirements based on dog size—for example, a small dog would need at least 12 square feet of floor space. Dogs would also need to be kept at comfortable temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Importantly, the bill prohibits stacking cages on top of each other, which is a common practice in some large breeding operations. Dogs would need to be fed nutritious food at least twice a day, have constant access to clean water, and get meaningful interaction with humans for at least 30 minutes daily through petting, playing, and other positive contact.

The bill also addresses breeding practices themselves. Female dogs couldn't produce more than two litters every 18 months or six litters in their lifetime. Small breed females couldn't be bred before 18 months old or after age 9, while larger breeds couldn't be bred before age 2 or after age 7. All breeding dogs would need veterinary health screenings to prevent genetic diseases, and any cesarean sections would have to be performed by a licensed veterinarian. When breeding dogs retire, breeders would need to make "reasonable efforts" to find them homes rather than selling them at auction or to other breeders.

The bill would primarily affect commercial dog breeders and dealers who are regulated under federal law. Pet owners wouldn't be directly impacted, but the standards could make puppies from regulated breeders healthier and better socialized. The government would have 18 months to write the detailed regulations explaining exactly how breeders must comply.

Puppy Protection Act of 2021

Fitzpatrick, Brian K.

Puppy Protection Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs <ul> <li>adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; </li> <li>appropriate and nutritious food; </li> <li>continuous access to potable water; and</li> <li> meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. </li> </ul> The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.