HR 835/S707 PUPS - A Bad Idea

PUPS creates a new category, High Volume Retail Breeder, defined as someone who has ownership in or custody of an intact female dog 4 months of age or older and sells 50 offspring in a year. Some dog owners and breeders continue to struggle with this definition of “50 sales” thinking that according to this definition the proposed legislation can never affect them. It is important not to become sidetracked with the numbers game. The intent of PUPS as with all previous versions is to change the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and USDA/APHIS responsibility forever by granting authority for federal regulation to extend beyond commercial dog breeders. The policy to separate commercial and retail breeders has been challenged and defended in court. At that time, USDA attorneys defended this policy on several grounds, one of which was potential invasions of privacy that would result if federal inspectors began enforcing "cleaning, sanitation, handling, and other regulatory requirements in private homes." That concern is just as relevant now as it was in 2002.

HR 835/S707 OPPOSITION

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

American Herding Breed Association
American Kennel Club
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
International Equine Business Association
United Horsemen
United Kennel Club
United States Working Dog Foundation
Virginia Hunting Dog Association

STATE ORGANIZATIONS

Alabama Canine Coalition, Inc.
California Federation of Dog Clubs
California Responsible Pet Owners' Coalition
Dog Federation of New York
Endangered Breeds Association
Federation of Maine Dog Clubs, Inc.
Michigan Association for Pure Bred Dogs
Minnesota Cat and Dog Council
Mississippi Canine Coalition, Inc.
Missouri Federation of Animal Owners, Inc.
Missouri Pet Breeders Association
North Carolina Responsible Animal Owners Alliance
Responsible Pet Owners Alliance of Texas
Susquehanna Brittany Club
Tennessee Federation of Dog Clubs
Tullahoma Kennel Club of Tennessee