Dear (name withheld),
Thank you for your letter regarding the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act or PUPS Act.
The PUPS Act, introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) on February 27, 2013, amends the Animal Welfare Act to more stringently regulate so-called "puppy mills." It defines a "high volume retail breeder" as a person who, in commerce, for compensation or profit: (1) has an ownership interest in or custody of one or more breeding female dogs; and (2) sells, via any means of conveyance, more than 50 of the offspring of such dogs for use as pets in any one-year period.
This bill also would require dealers to disclose the number of dogs exempted from exercise by a veterinarian and would require the Secretary of Agriculture to enact requirements for dogs to receive daily exercise and play in a spacious and clean environment.
In general, I believe issues like this one should be left up to State and Local governments. I certainly support protection of animals and abhor any cruel or abusive treatment, but I think that we should limit the size, scope, cost, and control the federal government has over our lives.
The PUPS Act awaits consideration in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Should this matter be brought before the full Senate, I will certainly take your views into consideration.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. It is important for me to hear the views and concerns of the people I serve. Please feel free to contact me in the future if I can further assist you or your family. It is an honor representing you and the good people of Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate.
Sincerely,
Ron Johnson
United States Senator
Thank you for your letter regarding the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act or PUPS Act.
The PUPS Act, introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) on February 27, 2013, amends the Animal Welfare Act to more stringently regulate so-called "puppy mills." It defines a "high volume retail breeder" as a person who, in commerce, for compensation or profit: (1) has an ownership interest in or custody of one or more breeding female dogs; and (2) sells, via any means of conveyance, more than 50 of the offspring of such dogs for use as pets in any one-year period.
This bill also would require dealers to disclose the number of dogs exempted from exercise by a veterinarian and would require the Secretary of Agriculture to enact requirements for dogs to receive daily exercise and play in a spacious and clean environment.
In general, I believe issues like this one should be left up to State and Local governments. I certainly support protection of animals and abhor any cruel or abusive treatment, but I think that we should limit the size, scope, cost, and control the federal government has over our lives.
The PUPS Act awaits consideration in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Should this matter be brought before the full Senate, I will certainly take your views into consideration.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts. It is important for me to hear the views and concerns of the people I serve. Please feel free to contact me in the future if I can further assist you or your family. It is an honor representing you and the good people of Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate.
Sincerely,
Ron Johnson
United States Senator
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