Paws Up! Members of Congress strive to protect dogs with the introduction of the bipartisan “Puppy Protection Act of 2025” (H.R.2253).
Things are looking up for our furry friends with the introduction of the Puppy Protection Act of 2025 (H.R.2253), a bipartisan effort to improve animal welfare standards in commercial facilities. On March 23rd, Representatives Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, Jimmy Panetta of California, and Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania presented this bill in collaboration with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. In his press release to the public, Congressman Fitzpatrick stated the intention of this legislation is “ensuring that dogs are treated with the decency, care, and compassion they deserve”.
The lawmakers proposing the Puppy Protection Act of 2025 to amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), expanding the minimum standards of humane treatment of dogs in a commercial setting. These regulations would provide guidelines for veterinary care, proper nutrition, and humane living conditions with more space per dog. This bill would also limit the number of litters a dog would be legally allowed to have and place age restrictions for breeding as well. In addition to these protections against neglect, this bill includes provisions for space for exercise and a minimum requirement for meaningful daily socialization such as brushing, petting, feeding, exercising and playtime.
It might be surprising to some that such basic principles for humane care would need to be legislated on in the year 2025. Despite the cultural shift our country has seen since the inception of the AWA to further view our animals as the precious members of our family that they are, federal legislation on the humane treatment of animals is still far too lax. Despite the steps towards progress the Puppy Protection Act of 2025 intends to make, any life spent in a commercial facility is not the fulfilling one a dog would find in the caring home of a family.
This discrepancy between what we know will allow dogs to live their best lives and what is legally required for their care is why it is our responsibility as lovers of animals to advocate for their rights. It is important that we turn a critical eye towards the commercial pet industry and acknowledge that in a world where an abundant number of rescue dogs need homes, such an industry should cease to exist. Until this is the case, it is vital to implement and enforce animal welfare laws and regulations such as the Puppy Protection Act of 2025 to protect animals from cruelty, and ensure they are treated with care and dignity.
