The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs.
Visit our 2024 Legislation Tracking map and click on “Federal Bills” 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 – HR 8467, The House version of the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024, also known as the “Farm Bill”, provides the quinquennial (once every 5 years) reauthorization for USDA funding. This massive, must-pass legislation commonly serves as a vehicle for a variety of animal and breeder related bills. This measure was approved in markup on May 23, and contained a number of programs/measures AKC has been advocating for, including import requirements from the Healthy Dog Importation Act, statutory funding for the National Detector Dog Training Center, funding for domestic violence shelters that allow victims to shelter with their pets, and more. AKC is also pleased that this version, as approved by the H. Agriculture Committee, did not contain problematic legislation opposed by AKC. The bill now goes to the House floor for consideration. A Senate version has not yet been released.
Federal/ Regulatory – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control released a final rule on May 13, which changes requirements for the importation of dogs into the U.S. The purpose of the rule is to address the serious public health threat of canine rabies (DMRVV) from dogs irresponsibly imported into the U.S. All dogs entering the U.S. must appear healthy, have an ISO microchip, be 6 months of age, and accompanied by the appropriate paperwork. The new rule also sets out additional requirements for dogs entering the U.S. from medium or high-risk situations. AKC strongly supports this goal of protecting public health and canine welfare. However, we are disappointed that exceptions currently available for dogs that present low risk profiles, such as the import of fully vaccinated, personally owned pets or service dogs have been removed. AKC supports a delay in implementing the rule to assess possible exceptions for cases of personally owned ( not for transfer) dogs that present a low risk for disease import.
U.S. Congress – HR 1624, known as the Puppy Protection Act, is similar to previous versions, which include numerous arbitrary requirements for dog breeders subject to USDA licensing. Specific requirements include: prohibitions on breeding a female unless pre-screened by a vet and arbitrary breeding restrictions based on an animal’s size or age. It also requires unfettered access from a primary enclosure to a run in which the dog can reach a running stride, yearly dental examinations and arbitrary kennel temperature requirements. While many of these requirements may sound reasonable on their face, one-size fits all mandates can be impractical and have harmful, often unintended, impacts on the health and wellbeing of individual dogs. Proponents of this problematic bill are seeking to add it to must-pass Agricultural Authorization legislation known as the Farm Bill.
U.S. Congress – The Healthy Dog Importation Act (HR 1184 / S 502), which AKC strongly supports, would require owners/importers of all dogs imported into the United States to submit a valid health certificate from a veterinary agency recognized by the USDA. Certificates would demonstrate that dogs being imported are microchipped and fully vaccinated or protected against contagious diseases and pathogens of concern to the USDA, including rabies. Dogs and records would also be subject to inspection/verification upon entry. Unlike the current CDC temporary rule, this measure focuses specifically on individual health status rather than country of origin. AKC is actively advocating for this important measure. Bill language has been added to the House Farm Bill, HR 8467.
U.S. Congress – “Goldie’s Act” (HR 1788/S. 4033) would amend the federal Animal Welfare Act to redefine AWA violations and undermine priority for the care and wellbeing of animals by removing a distinction between care and welfare (direct) violations and paperwork/ non-welfare related (indirect) violations. While zero violations of any rules or laws should be the goal, AKC believes the care and wellbeing of animals must always be a priority. It also would require inspectors to destroy or remove an animal if they believe it is suffering psychological harm. The bill does not determine how psychological harm would be determined or by whom. Although the House measure was introduced in 2023, a Senate companion was introduced in March 2024. Proponents of this problematic bill are seeking to add it to the 2024 Farm Bill.
U.S. Congress – The Better CARE for Animals Act (HR 5041/S 2555) is a troublesome measure to significantly expand federal courts’ jurisdiction to unilaterally prosecute violations of AWA regulations. Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has jurisdiction over breeder licensing. Provisions include allowing for the Attorney General to bring a civil action in federal district courts, including restraining orders, injunctions, including seizure of animals, and significant civil penalties against breeders deemed to be in violation of the USDA breeder licensing rules and regulations. It could also potentially remove current licensing exemptions for groups such as hobby breeders.
U.S. Congress – The Working Dog Health and Welfare Act (HR 6950/S 2414) would ensure implementation of recommendations for protections and standards of care for U.S. Government working dogs as outlined in the January 2022 Government Accountability Office report, “Working Dogs: Federal Agencies Need to Better Address Health and Welfare”. AKC strongly supports this measure. It passed the Senate in January and awaits consideration in the House.
U.S. Congress – HR 1480/S 759, known as the Beagle Brigade Act, provides statutory authority for the National Detector Dog Training Center operated by USDA APHIS. The center trains dogs to inspect passenger baggage, cargo, mailed packages, and vehicles to detect foreign pests and diseases that threaten domestic agriculture and natural resources. HR 1480 passed the House in 2023; and language to advance the measure was included in the House version of the 2024 Farm Bill, HR 8467. the Senate companion measure is awaiting committee action. AKC strongly supports this goal.
U.S. Congress – HR 7380, the “Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform” (PURR) Act of 2024, would update the authority of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure national uniformity of pet food labeling and marketing.