The ASPCA continues to fight the cruel, commercial puppy-breeding industry on many fronts, whether it’s calling for increased enforcement of the federal Animal Welfare Act, suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for more transparency, lobbying for state and local bills banning the retail sale of puppies, or rescuing breeding dogs from deplorable conditions.

We also work to pass legislation that would hold the puppy mill industry more accountable. The ASPCA is proud to support the Welfare of Our Friends (WOOF!) Act, federal legislation introduced this week by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Charlie Crist (D-FL), Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA) and Jim McGovern (D-MA), which would ensure that problematic breeders cannot continue evading oversight. 

The WOOF! Act would prevent a dog breeder whose USDA license has been suspended or revoked from continuing to operate through a new license acquired by someone else at the same address. Right now, it is possible for suspended/revoked breeders to evade enforcement by having family members apply for a new license, allowing the same business to continue as before—terrible conditions and all.

“I'm proud to join with Rep. Fitzpatrick again on the bipartisan WOOF! Act, closing existing loopholes to better protect puppies and dogs from abuse," said Crist. "We must care for all of God’s creatures, working together to promote animal welfare.”

“As a society, it is crucial that we protect the welfare of animals. That means strengthening important regulations under the Animal Welfare Act to protect dogs from abuse and neglect,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with Representatives Crist, Thompson and McGovern to protect a species which serves as an invaluable partner in law enforcement, our military, and as service animals.”

We thank Representatives Fitzpatrick, Crist, Thompson and McGovern for their continued leadership on the WOOF! Act and call upon USDA to ensure thorough and proper enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.

Want to help advance this important legislation in the days and weeks to come? Be the first to get alerted when it’s time to take action on this and other animal-friendly bills by joining the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade right now!