Could the PUPS Act Put Puppy Mills Out of Business?
Published March 10, 2011
I was thrilled the other day when I ran across a news item demonstrating that perhaps when they are truly inspired, Democrats and Republicans are able to actually put their differences aside and work together in a bipartisan manner.
With the huge loophole still remaining in the United States' law concerning the Federal oversight of large-scale commercial dog breeders, puppy mills continue to churn out litter after litter. And even though these facilities selling stock to pet stores and puppy brokers must be inspected by and licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, for some unknown reason, unfortunately puppy mills are not required to be licensed to sell puppies directly to the public.
On March 1, to once and for all remedy this senseless inequity, Representatives Sam Farr,(D-CA), Don Young (R-AK), Jim Gerlach,(R-PA) and Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced and sponsored H.R.835, The Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act (PUPS). And while the PUPS Act has been introduced before in prior Congressional sessions, even though the law's intent is crucial to the well being of countless number of innocent dogs, it has never gone anywhere. Fortunately this gives the PUPS Act another chance to finally be put into law.
Bringing all commercial dog breeders in the United States under federal supervision, the PUPS act would require breeders to be licensed and inspected. This includes those who annually sell dogs directly to the public, including dogs sold over the Internet.
Additionally all dog breeders licensed under the Federal Animal Welfare Act would be required to exercise every dog daily, allowing the dogs a chance to run, without the use of a treadmill or any similar mechanical device, which is a much needed humane mandate that PUPS Act provides. Of course, this would greatly improve the quality of the lives of dogs by giving them the opportunity for time out of their cages, in which many of these dogs are kept endlessly in confinement by many commercial dog breeders.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if puppy mills became a thing of the past? But you can help make this dream a reality. Join me by taking action today. Our support is needed to facilitate the passage of the PUPS act. For your convenience, the ASPCA has provided a link to email your representative asking them to support and co-sponsor H.R.835.
Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to take immediate action. The process takes just a few minutes of your time.
What are your thoughts about H.R.835? Share them in a comment.
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Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…
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Comments (5)
I didn't mean to endorse puppy mills with the above post. I abhor them. I am just saying if breeding is going to be allowed, it shouldn't be a free for all.
I think until we get to the point of not having to euthanize millions upon millions of dogs and cats each year - we should restrict and limit breeding and puppy mills. You should have to apply for a special license with only so many allowed. If you are caught, fines up the wazoo and a permanent ban. This will never happen but it's a lovely thought.
I agree with Peggy although I also agree that some sort of organization has to be in place for shelters to accomodate all the animals. I also think that having this law in place fopr cats is a wonderful idea, however, in shelters here, I have never seen near as many cats as there are dogs. But both come with responsibilities, and the public needs more education than just showing up to a shelter to adopt any animal.
I think it might be a good idea to write about puppy mills. To me, it's not enough that animals are given "time outside their cages to exercise". Why are they in cages in the first place? Often, in the summer where I live, I see animals tied, all day long, to a stake, barking for mercy. It makes me so mad to see them so helpless. I think a lot of the changes won't be by law, but by education of a younger generation, who can learn NOT to buy animals from Pet Stores on impulse. A puppy is a HUGE commitment, and finding a cute little puppy in a pet store just encourages impulse buying, without stopping to consider that puppy is as much a responsibility as having a child.
Not sure about everywhere in the world - but here in NY, cats/kittens are not considered domesticated animals for purposes of the law anyway... I'm not entirely sure what the wording is - but they do not fall under the same law as dogs. I've always been a bit frustrated that cat owners never have to license their cats or keep them 'under control' as all dog owners are required. It's mainly because of this distinction in the law. On the flip side - they also do not reap the benefit of the laws that protect dogs from certain abuses. Except that dogs are quickly dispatched (shot) if found running loose in the woods... hardly seems fair...