Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Dogs Under the Care of Breeders

Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Strengthen Protections for Dogs Under the Care of Breeders

The Puppy Protection Act aims to end cruel, mass breed practices by improving care standards for dogs

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined colleagues in introducing legislation that would strengthen protections for dogs under the care of breeders by ensuring they live in a safe environment, have access to outdoor spaces, and can regularly interact with other dogs and humans.

"As the saying goes, 'dogs are man's best friend.' Yet, too many are living in small spaces without enough food or water before they find their forever home," Wyden said. "Puppies deserve to be born into a world where they can romp around on grass, play with their furry friends, and curl up in a comfortable, safe environment. This bill raises the standards of care for dogs so they can live a happy and healthy life from the get-go."

"Our canine companions deserve to be treated with basic dignity and care at all stages of their lives. We must hold irresponsible breeders accountable and make sure puppies are raised with the care, safety, and humane treatment they deserve," said Merkley.

The Puppy Protection Act would create stronger standards for dogs in relation to their veterinary care, housing, and breeders through the following solutions:

• Caging and space requirements: Expand enclosure requirements to allow dogs to stand on their hind legs without touching the top of their enclosure and increase the number of square feet of their enclosure based on the dog's size. Enclosures also could not be stacked on top of one another.
• Exercise: Offer dogs over the age of 12 weeks unrestricted access from their primary enclosures to a ground-level, enclosed outdoor exercise area.
• Socialization: Set a 30 minute requirement per day for dogs to socialize with humans and compatible dogs outside of the time spent in veterinary care.
• Breeding: Require a screening by a veterinarian prior to each attempt to breed and prohibit breeding of two litters in any 18-month period or more than six litters in a dog's lifetime. Breeders must also find a humane placement for retired breeding dogs, such as with adoptive families or rescue organizations.

In addition to Wyden and Merkley, other co-sponsors of the bill led by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) are U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).