House Bills - 110th Congress

H.R. 1280—The Pet Protection Act of 2007

On March 1, 2007, Representative Michael Doyle (D-PA) introduced H.R. 1280, the Pet Protection Act of 2007. The bill is intended to ensure that all dogs and cats used by research facilities are obtained legally. The bill would amend the Animal Welfare Act to list permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained 1) from a licensed dealer, 2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements, 3) by donation from the person who bred and raised the dog or cat and owned it for not less than 1 year, or 4) from a research facility licensed by the Secretary of Agriculture. It would increase monetary penalties for related violations and would expressly prohibit Federal facilities from purchasing or otherwise acquiring dogs or cats for exhibition purposes, except from 1) the operator of an auction that comports with legal requirements or 2) a person holding a valid dealer or exhibitor license. The bill would also prohibit dealers from selling to or otherwise providing a research facility with random-source dogs or cats unless specified certification requirements were met. This bill is a companion to legislation introduced on February 28 by Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI). H.R. 1280 had 29 co-sponsors upon introduction and was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Legislative Update (May 2007): Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2007