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 click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and 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. It would empower the Department of Justice to circumvent the animal experts at USDA to file charges, including potentially criminal charges, bring a civil action (including restraining orders, impose penalties, injunctions, seizure of animals, and significant civil penalties) against breeders it deems to be in violation of USDA breeder licensing rules and regulations, regardless of whether USDA has determined or even alleged that there has been a violation of the AWA. Owners could be forced to pay for the costs of care for seized animals by non-government entities, i.e., activist groups, while legal proceedings are pending regardless of the ultimate outcome, with no provision for restitution if there is no conviction. It could also potentially remove current de minimis 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 crucial distinction between care and welfare (direct) violations and paperwork/ non-welfare related (indirect) violations. It also would require inspectors to destroy or remove an animal if they believe it is suffering physical or 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 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.
U.S. Congress – H.R. 3349 (the “Healthy Dog Importation Act”) would require owners/importers of all dogs imported into the U.S. to submit a valid health certificate from a USDA-recognized veterinary agency demonstrating that dogs being imported are microchipped and fully vaccinated or protected against contagious diseases and pathogens of concern to the USDA, including rabies. Unlike the current CDC 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.