No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section establishes additional standards under the Animal Welfare Act for humane treatment of dogs by dealers (i.e., entities that sell dogs wholesale, typically including large-scale breeders). The new requirements, added as paragraph (9) to 7 U.S.C. 2143(a), include the following: (1) adequate housing with completely solid flooring, indoor space allowing the tallest dog to stand on hind legs without touching the roof, minimum floor space for dogs over 8 weeks old (12 square feet per dog not more than 25 inches long; 20 square feet per dog more than 25 but not more than 35 inches long; 30 square feet per dog more than 35 inches long), no stacking of enclosures, and temperature control between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit; (2) nutritious food twice daily (except when directed by a veterinarian); (3) continuous access to potable, unfrozen water free of contaminants; (4) adequate exercise for dogs over 12 weeks via an accessible ground-level outdoor area (restricted only at night or in severe weather) or a veterinarian-certified alternative; (5) daily socialization for at least 30 minutes with humans and compatible dogs (excluding veterinary care time); (6) veterinary care with records, including prompt treatment of minor injuries, veterinarian treatment for significant illness/injury, annual hands-on exams with dental checks, core vaccinations per American Animal Hospital Association guidelines, and preventives for parasites/heartworm/fleas/ticks; (7) safe breeding with disease screening, pre-breeding vet certification of fitness, limits of 2 litters in 25 months or 6 lifetime per female, no breeding before 18 months (small breeds under 40 pounds) or 2 years (large breeds 40+ pounds) and after 9 years (small) or 7 years (large), and veterinarian-performed C-sections; (8) group housing unless unsafe due to health or behavior; and (9) reasonable efforts for humane placement of retired breeding dogs (excluding auctions or further breeding). It also amends the Act's general dog exercise standards to make them subject to these new requirements.
This section directs the Secretary to issue final regulations establishing standards for the care of dogs by dealers not later than 18 months after enactment of this Act.