Bill > S395

This bill, the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act, aims to enhance protections for puppies by amending the Animal Welfare Act, a federal law that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, and commerce. Key provisions include defining a "high volume retail breeder" as someone who owns or cares for one or more intact female dogs aged four months or older and sells more than 25 offspring per year as pets, making these breeders subject to the same regulations as animal dealers. The bill also mandates that dealers, including high volume retail breeders, must report the number of dogs exempted from exercise due to veterinary reasons on their license applications. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish standards for dog exercise, ensuring that dogs over 12 weeks old (unless nursing puppies) have daily access to exercise that allows for sufficient movement and running stride, in an area separate from their primary enclosure if needed, with safe and clean flooring, and that this exercise is not a forced, repetitive, or solitary activity. Exemptions to these exercise requirements are allowed if a licensed veterinarian deems it necessary for a dog's health, but these decisions must be documented, reviewed by the Secretary, and periodically updated. Finally, the bill clarifies that it does not prevent states or local governments from enacting laws that offer equal or greater animal protection.