[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 2253 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2253
To amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide for the humane treatment of
dogs, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
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.
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