The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs.
Visit our 2025 Legislation Tracking map and click on “Federal Bills” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include:
U.S. Congress – HR 3112/S. 1538, the so-called Better CARE for Animals Act, is a radical measure that would significantly expand federal courts’ jurisdiction to unilaterally prosecute violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and its regulations. Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has jurisdiction over breeder licensing in the AWA. However, provisions in HR 3112/S.1538 would allow the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to circumvent USDA to seize animals without any finding of AWA violations by the USDA. It would empower the Attorney General to bring a civil action in federal district courts, including restraining orders, injunctions, seizure of animals, and significant civil penalties against breeders it deems to be in violation of USDA breeder licensing rules and regulations. It could also potentially remove current licensing exemptions for groups such as hobby breeders.
U.S. Congress – “Goldie’s Act” (HR 349) would amend the federal Animal Welfare Act to redefine AWA violations and undermine priority for the care and wellbeing of animals by removing a distinction between care and welfare (direct) violations and paperwork/ non-welfare related (indirect) violations. While zero violations of any rules or laws should be the goal, AKC believes the care and wellbeing of animals must always be a priority. It also would require inspectors to destroy or remove an animal if they believe it is suffering psychological harm. The bill does not state how psychological harm would be determined or by whom.
U.S. Congress – H.R. 2253 (“The Puppy Protection Act”), seeks to amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to establish a number of new arbitrary, one-size-fits-all federal mandates for USDA licensees including: prohibitions on the number of litters bred; prohibitions on breeding age; one-size fits all kennel engineering standards; mandated veterinary approval before breeding; mandating unrestricted access from primary enclosure to outdoor exercise yards large enough to achieve full stride; specific mental stimulation and socialization and annual dental exams, and more. GR staff continue to work actively to educate about the harmful unintended consequences associated with the one-size fits all requirements in this measure. Instead, AKC urges better enforcement of current regulations that allow flexibility to achieve optimal outcomes for dogs. We continue to have numerous meetings with policymakers and their staff, issue alerts as appropriate, and provide expert recommendations to address any legitimate concerns regarding enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.
U.S. Congress – H.R. 3349 (the “Healthy Dog Importation Act”) would require owners/importers of all dogs imported into the United States to submit a valid health certificate from a veterinary agency recognized by the USDA. Certificates would demonstrate that dogs being imported are microchipped and fully vaccinated or protected against contagious diseases and pathogens of concern to the USDA, including rabies. Dogs and records would also be subject to inspection/verification upon entry. Unlike the current CDC temporary rule, this measure focuses specifically on individual health status rather than country of origin. AKC is actively advocating for this important measure, which has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.