May 11, 2023 - WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to stop breeders from mistreating dogs and puppies by bolstering federal standards for commercial dog breeders. This legislation comes after dozens of puppy mills across the country have been shut down because of horrific neglect and inhumane treatment, including the heartbreaking story of an Iowa puppy mill where 199 dogs were killed in a single day. Right here in the Central Valley last year, 150 dogs were rescued from a puppy mill in Modesto.

The Puppy Protection Act requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards for the humane treatment of animals and require breeders to provide them with basic necessities like veterinary care, appropriate nutritious food, and continuous access to drinking water. Rep. Harder and his wife Pam are passionate about animal protection and have fostered numerous shelter dogs. Last month, he formally recognized the Manteca Animal Shelter for achieving “no-kill” status. 

“I was shocked when I learned about the terrible conditions at some dog breeding facilities. These dogs are stuck in crates all day, never get to go outside, and are dying from malnutrition. It’s just terrible,” said Rep. Harder. “These animals can’t speak up for themselves and they need our help. People don’t realize how low the federal standards are for this industry. We have to get this bill passed to protect dogs from abusive breeders.”  

Specifically, this bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. The standards must require dog dealers to provide dogs with:

• adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care;
• appropriate and nutritious food;
• continuous access to potable water;
• meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day;
• and protections requiring breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired dogs.

The legislation is endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, the Humane Society Legislative Fund, the Humane Society of the United States, and the ASPCA.
Source: Congressman Josh Harder