The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2012 Legislative Tracking page and click on “US Fed” 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 — H.R. 835/S. 707 known as the "Puppy Uniform Protection & Safety Act" (PUPS), would require anyone who owns or co-owns female dogs that produce 50 or more puppies that are sold in a 12-month period to be regulated under USDA dog dealer regulations. Anyone meeting that criteria would be required to obtain an annual USDA license, maintain standards of care designed for commercial breeding facilities, and undergo regular inspections at least biennially. AKC GR has expressed a number of concerns with other provisions in the measure, including the definition of "breeding female" as an intact female of four months or older. The bills have been assigned to their chamber's agriculture committees. Neither independent bill has been scheduled for a hearing. However, in recent weeks, proponents have been lobbying members of Congress to expand the number of cosponsors on the measure ahead of possible attempts to attach it to the Farm Bill in a November lame duck session. Informational updates are available online, along with links to AKC's letters to Congress and other information. AKC GR, along with the AKC's federal representatives, is monitoring activity relating to this measure and actively pushing back against attempts to move the bill forward as written. Read AKC's latest information update.

2012 Farm Bill — H.R. 6083/S. 3240. The Senate version (S. 3240) of the 2012 Agricultural Authorization bill, also known as the "farm bill," has passed the Senate. The House version (H.R. 6083) has been assigned to the House Agriculture Committee. AKC GR and AKC's federal advocates are monitoring possible attempts to attach PUPS legislation or similar amendments to the Farm Bill as it moves through Congress.

Proposed Change to Federal Animal Welfare Act Regulations (AWA) — The period for commenting on a USDA/APHIS proposed rule that would deleteriously impact small hobby breeders closed on August 15. The next step is that APHIS must review the thousands of comments received. Visit AKC's USDA/APHIS Regulation Resource Page for more information on next steps and the latest news on this front.