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H.R. 2253: Puppy Protection Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Puppy Protection Act of 2025, aims to enhance the humane treatment of dogs by amending existing regulations under the Animal Welfare Act. Below are the key elements of what the bill proposes:

Humane Treatment of Dogs by Dealers

The bill introduces specific requirements for dog dealers regarding the care and welfare of dogs. These requirements include:

  • Housing Standards: Dealers must provide adequate housing which includes:
    • Solid flooring.
    • Indoor space where dogs can stand on their hind legs without touching the ceiling.
    • Defined space standards based on the dog's size (e.g., 12 to 30 square feet depending on the dog's length).
    • Enclosures that are not stacked on top of each other.
    • Temperature control suitable for the dogs' age and breed, maintained between 45°F and 85°F.
  • Nutrition: Dealers must provide appropriate, nutritious food at least twice a day and ensure continuous access to clean water.
  • Exercise Requirements: Dogs must have access to outdoor exercise areas that are:
    • Freely accessible from their enclosures.
    • Ground-level.
    • Enclosed for safety.
    • Allowed to run freely unless otherwise directed by a veterinarian.
  • Socialization: Each dog must interact meaningfully with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day.
  • Veterinary Care: Dogs must receive adequate veterinary care, including:
    • Prompt treatment for injuries and illnesses.
    • An annual health examination by a veterinarian.
    • Core vaccinations and preventive medications as needed.
  • Breeding Practices: The bill includes guidelines on responsible breeding, such as:
    • Screening for health issues before breeding.
    • Limiting the number of litters a dog can have.
    • Mandatory veterinary involvement in breeding processes.
  • Group Housing: Dogs should be housed with other dogs unless advised against by a veterinarian.
  • Retirement of Breeding Dogs: Dealers must make efforts to find humane placements for retired breeding dogs rather than reselling them for breeding.

Regulations

The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with issuing final regulations to enforce these new standards within 18 months of the bill's enactment.

Implementation Timeline

The bill mandates that the regulations be established promptly, ensuring that the measures for the humane treatment of dogs are firmly integrated into existing animal welfare practices.

Relevant Companies

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This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

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Sponsors

180 bill sponsors

Actions

3 actions

Date Action
Apr. 04, 2025 Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Mar. 21, 2025 Introduced in House
Mar. 21, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

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