Mustard & Pepper Winter 2022

Legislative Report

This program has not been funded in the current appro- priations bill, despite support from the American Veteri- nary Medical Association and the Association of Ameri- can Veterinary Medical Colleges, due to pressure com- ing from animal activists. The USDA has encouraged self - reporting non - compliance as part of its enforcement process. Now, AKC fears that breeders will be reluctant to self - report any problems and will also be unable to

by Katherine Jacobson, Legislative Liaison

As 2022 comes to a close, the AKC has scored some significant legislative successes. Within the enormous 2023 federal spending bill are a number of items affect- ing dogs, dog owners and canine policy. One such is contained in the funding provisions for the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA provides

for the federal licensing of dog breeders and dealers. Currently the US Department of Agriculture is responsible for ensuring compliance with the act ’ s provisions and has been mandated to update the rules regarding AWA dog licensing requirements, how- ever, for the last two years funding for the enforcement of the act ’ s provisions has remained stable while the responsibilities for its en- forcement have increased. Earlier this year, AKC urged members of Congress to in- crease funding for the neces- sary inspections of commer- cial breeders in order to en- sure compliance with the new rules and the 2023 spending bill does include increased funding for inspections and education.

receive advice on how better to care for their animals. In- stead, inspectors will be ex- pected to impose an environ- ment of blocked licenses and punishments rather than teaching and helping people to do better. The AKC also had concerns that the 2021 Puppy Protec- tion Act mentioned in a previ- ous column might be added to this measure. It did not, how- ever, find its way into the final bill. But there is no rea- son to doubt that it will be reintroduced in 2023. Animal activists continue to promote the idea that breeding animals is inhumane. As PETA writes on its website: “ As long as dogs and cats continue to suf- fer from overpopulation, homelessness and abandon-

William Robert Symonds. Heather . 1904.

ment, no breeding can be considered responsible. ”

The AKC also supported funding a program within the AWA that provided education and collaboration between the USDA inspectors and breeders who wish to keep or earn their licenses. Under the previous framework, in- spectors were tasked with helping breeders to improve their operations and resolve or avoid infractions before and during licensure. These “ teachable moments ” were designed to help the regulated community to understand regulatory requirements, their own compliance status and to work through any compliance challenges to en- sure humane care of the animals in their charge. The in- spectors, frequently veterinarians and animal experts, were also tasked with providing assistance for regulated facilities seeking personalized help with compliance challenges.

Finally, Congress did increase the budget for APHIS (Animal and Plant Inspection Service) to strengthen its oversight of imported dogs. With over one million dogs imported into the US each year, less than one percent are subject to thorough health screenings. The AKC thus continues to support passage of The Healthy Dog Impor- tation Act in 2023 to protect the health of American pets and the public and encourages all dog lovers to contact their representatives and senators to encourage the pas- sage of this act in the new year. Wishing you and your Dandies a healthy and happy 2023. 

Mustard & Pepper

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Winter 2022