U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, James McGovern, Guy Reschenthaler and Jimmy Panetta introduced the bipartisan Puppy Protection Act of 2023 to bolster protection for puppies by improving federal standards for licensed commercial dog breeders. Sen. Richard Durbin is leading the companion bill in the Senate, to be introduced at a later date.
“It is crucial that Congress update the standards for commercial breeders in the Animal Welfare Act to further protect animals, and this bipartisan legislation does just that,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m proud to lead the Puppy Protection Act to ensure that Congress stands up for our dogs, and I am grateful to Congressmen Reschenthaler, McGovern and Panetta for joining me in this bipartisan effort.”
The legislation is endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA.
“AWI thanks Reps. Fitzpatrick, McGovern, Reschenthaler and Panetta for their efforts to update and enhance the requirements for the care of dogs in breeding facilities,” said Nancy Blaney, Director of Government Affairs at the Animal Welfare Institute. “Such improvements are long overdue for both breeding facilities and all entities regulated under the Animal Welfare Act.”
