The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Capitol Hill for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2011 Legislative Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently tracking on the federal level include:

H.R. 835 / S. 707 – Known as the “Puppy Uniform Protection & Safety Act” (PUPS), this bill would require anyone who owns or co-owns dogs that produce 50 or more puppies that are sold in a 12-month period to be regulated under USDA dog dealer regulations. Anyone meeting that criteria would be required to obtain an annual USDA license, maintain minimum federal standards of care, and undergo regular inspections at least biennially. The language in this bill is identical to the 2010 PUPS bill. AKC GR has also expressed a number of concerns with other provisions in the measure, including the definition of “breeding female” as an intact female of four months or older. The bills have been assigned to their chamber’s agriculture committees. Neither is scheduled for a hearing. Read AKC’s latest Legislation Information Update. Read AKC’s latest letter to Congress.

Federal Regulations – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has distributed proposed regulations for enforcing a 2008 law that amends the federal Animal Welfare Act. This measure “prohibits the importation of dogs from any part of the world into the continental United States or Hawaii for purposes of resale, research or veterinary treatment, unless the dogs are in good health, have received all necessary vaccines and are at least 6 months of age.” The AKC supports strong enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act as amended by this rule, recognizing that a large number of puppies are being bred overseas and imported into the United States in order to bypass the welfare regulations and standards required of American breeders. In many cases, irresponsibly bred and undocumented foreign puppies end up at shelters, rescues or other informal or unregulated retail venues. Diseases borne by such animals can create public health issues for both animal and human populations. AKC GR issued a statement of support, provided formal comments, and issued an informational alert with information on how AKC clubs and breeders could submit comments. The public comment period closed on October 31. APHIS is currently reviewing these comments. Learn more about this issue. Comments on the proposed regulations are included in AKC’s latest letter to Congress.

H.R. 1406 – This legislation, known as the “Fairness to Pet Owners Act of 2011,” would require the prescriber of an animal drug to provide the pet owner with a copy of the veterinary prescription and a written disclosure that the owner may fill the prescription through a pharmacy selected by the pet owner as well as through the prescriber (if available). It has been referred to the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

H.R. 1725 – This bill would authorize federal grants to states that ban debarking “for purposes of convenience.” The grants, which may be up to $1 million, must be used to fund “activities that prevent or promote the prevention of cruelty to animals.” It has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. No hearings are scheduled.