Legislation Puts Pressure on Internet Dog Breeders

The federal government is attempting to modify the Animal Welfare Act by introducing legislation that will hold puppy breeders who sell dogs over the internet to the same standards that pet breeders and pet stores are held to, reports The Humane Society of the United States. Under the new statute, internet breeders must obtain a license from the US Department of Agriculture, allow the dogs to exercise daily, and also be subject to inspections. “I applaud USDA’s work to close loopholes that unscrupulous breeders exploited with internet sales, and the PUPS Act … will help ensure that puppies are treated humanely and bred in safe and sanitary facilities,” says Sen. Vitter (R-LA) as quoted by HSUS.