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 collectively produce 50 or more puppies that are sold in a 12-month period to be subject to regulations designed for large scale wholesale dog dealers and breeders. 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 grave concerns with the measure, including the definition of a "breeding female" as an intact female of 4 months or older. The bills have been assigned to their chamber's agriculture committees, but have not been scheduled for a hearing.

In the weeks leading up to the end of the regular session, organizations supporting PUPS lobbied members of Congress extensively to expand the number of cosponsors on the measure. This could be an indication of possible attempts to attach PUPS to other legislation – most likely the Farm Bill – in the lame duck session. If the measure does not move in the lame duck session, PUPS or a similar measure is likely to be re-introduced in the 2013 session. AKC continues to monitor this measure carefully, to make its concerns known to Congress, and will alert constituents if action appears imminent. Read AKC's latest information update . Read AKC's most recent letter to Congress .

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 reported out of the House Agriculture Committee and could be taken up in the House in the post-election lame duck session of Congress. This quinquennial (every five years), must-pass legislation has traditionally served as a vehicle for changes to the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) pertaining to dog breeder/dealer regulations.

The bill currently contains two positive changes to the AWA: It clarifies that the term “exhibitor” excludes owners of a common, domesticated household pet who derive less than a substantial portion of their income for exhibiting an animal that exclusively resides at the residence of the owner (this language is also included in S. 3666, which has passed the Senate and is pending in the House). It also expands current prohibitions on sponsoring, exhibiting at or attending an animal fighting venture to also outlaw the act of causing a minor to attend an animal fighting venture.  

AKC GR and AKC's federal advocates are monitoring the Farm Bill carefully – especially for possible attempts to attach PUPS legislation or similar problematic amendments to the Farm Bill as it moves through Congress.