The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2012 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 addressing on the federal level include:

U.S. Congress – H.R. 835 / S. 707, known as the “Puppy Uniform Protection & Safety Act” (PUPS), would require anyone who owns or co-owns intact female dogs that produce 50 or more puppies that are sold in a 12-month period to be regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture as commercial dog dealers. Anyone meeting that criteria would be required to obtain an annual USDA license, maintain federal standards of care for commercial dealers, and undergo regular inspections at least biennially. 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 bill has been scheduled for a hearing. AKC GR, along with the AKC’s federal lobbying team, is monitoring all activity relating to this measure. Read AKC’s latest Legislation Information Update.