113/s/395

. Upon introduction to the Senate, the bill was read twice and referred to the.

Summary
This legislation amends the Animal Welfare Act to define 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. Considers such a breeder of dogs to be a dealer.

Requires dealers to include on licensing applications and annual renewals the total number of dogs exempted from exercise on the premises of the dealer in the preceding year by a licensed veterinarian.

Requires the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to promulgate requirements for the exercise of dogs at facilities owned or operated by a dealer, including requiring daily access to exercise that:

(1) allows the dogs to move sufficiently in a way that is not forced, repetitive, or restrictive; and

(2) is in an area that is spacious, cleaned at least once a day, free of infestation by pests or vermin, and designed to prevent the dogs from escaping.

Allows an exemption if:

(1) a licensed veterinarian determines that a dog should not exercise because of the health, condition, or well-being of the dog; and

(2) such determination is reviewed and updated at least once every 30 days by the veterinarian, unless the basis for the determination is a permanent condition.

Subjects such a determination to review and approval by the Secretary.

This Senate bill related to House bill.

Sponsor and Cosponsors
There 15 cosponsors of the bill.