PAWS

"The Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005"

....introduced by U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) on May 27th.

This bill gives the USDA the ability, under the authority of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), to regulate individuals who breed and sell large numbers of dogs.

The bill applies to those who breed 7 or more litters per year and sell more than 25 dogs per year.  Both conditions must be met before a breeder comes before the USDA.

Thus:  if a breeder produces less than 7 litters, they are not subject to regulation, even if they sell many more than 25 dogs. Similarly, if a breeder sells fewer than 25 dogs, they can have in excess of 6 litters and not be covered.

The AKC supports this bill, indicating it will  apply to less than 4 percent of their customers who register litters, the majority of whom are already subject to USDA regulations.  AKC believes all of this bill's provisions are focused squarely on the welfare of dogs and to a large extent will affect puppies that do not have responsible, dedicated breeders protected by the AKC organisation.