Puppy Protection Act of 2019

Puppy Protection Act of 2019

This bill, also known as H.R. 2442, aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide for the humane treatment of dogs. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 1, 2019, by Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Crist, Mr. Reschenthaler, and Mr. McGovern. It has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture.

Short Title

The bill can be cited as the "Puppy Protection Act of 2019".

Additional Requirements for Dealers

Section 13(a) of The Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2143(a)) would be amended to include additional requirements for dealers who sell dogs.

These requirements include:

Providing adequate housing for dogs, with completely solid flooring and enough indoor space for the tallest dog to stand without touching the roof of the enclosure.
Having primary enclosures that provide a certain amount of indoor floor space based on the size of the dog.
Ensuring enclosures are not stacked on top of or below each other.
Maintaining temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit when dogs are present.
Providing appropriate and nutritious food to each dog at least twice per day.
Ensuring each dog has continuous access to potable water that is not frozen and is free of contaminants.
Allowing each dog to have adequate exercise, either through unrestricted access to an outdoor exercise area or an alternative exercise plan prescribed by a veterinarian for specific medical reasons.
Providing each dog with meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes per day, excluding time spent in veterinary care.
Ensuring each dog receives adequate veterinary care, including prompt treatment of diseases, thorough hands-on examinations, core vaccinations, and medications to prevent parasites.
Following safe breeding practices, including screening for inheritable diseases, limitations on the number of litters a female dog can produce, and the performance of canine caesarian sections by licensed veterinarians.
Housing dogs with other dogs, unless there are health or behavioral issues that make group housing unsafe.
Making reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs, such as adoption or placement with an appropriate owner, and not selling them at auction or breeding them again.

Regulations

The bill requires the Secretary to issue final regulations within 18 months of the enactment of this Act, which will establish the standards for the care of dogs by dealers as outlined in the bill.

Rep. Nanette Barragan

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