For decades the scourge of puppy and kitten mills has plagued America!

in states such as Iowa, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, and Texas, dogs and cats are being treated as cash crops by backyard breeders who breed dogs back to back with no concern for the welfare of the animals. Dogs and cats are forced to live in squalid conditions, standing on wire bottom cages that are exposed to the elements including wind, rain, sleet, and snow. in these facilities, the animals are crammed into stacked cages and remain there for years without the ability to exercise, socialize or express their natural behaviors. In puppy mills, mother dogs spend their entire lives in cramped cages with little to no personal attention. When the mother and father dogs can no longer breed, they are abandoned or killed. Due to poor sanitation, overbreeding, and a lack of preventive veterinary care, the puppies from puppy mills frequently suffer from a variety of health issues, creating heartbreaking challenges for families who should be enjoying the delights of adopting a new family member. Puppy mills are inhumane high-volume dog breeding facilities that churn out puppies for profit, ignoring the needs of the pups and their mothers. Dogs from puppy mills are often sick and unsocialized. Puppy mills commonly sell through internet sales, online classified ads, flea markets, and pet stores. The majority of puppies sold in pet stores and online are from puppy mills. Responsible breeders will be happy to meet you in person and show you where the puppy was born and raised—and where their mom lives.
 This horrible system has existed for years in the united states going unchecked and unregulated, and while attempts have been made to rein in backyard breeders, the state-by-state patchwork of laws that currently exists has left huge regulatory gaps that have allowed massive puppy mill operations to go unincumbered.

On March 17, 2023, US House Rep Brian K. Fitzpatrick with the Bipartisan support of James Mcgovern, Jimmy Panetta, and Guy Reschenthaler introduced H.R. 1624 "To amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide for the humane treatment of dogs, and for other purposes." also known as the Puppy Protection Act. This legislation would amongst other things:

• Require that dogs have adequate housing with completely solid flooring
• indoor space sufficient to allow the tallest dog in an enclosure to stand on his or her hind legs without touching the roof of the enclosure 
• that each dog receives adequate veterinary care, including prompt treatment of any disease, illness, or injury by a licensed veterinarian;
  a thorough hands-on examination by a licensed veterinarian at least once each year, which shall include a dental exam; 
• medications to prevent intestinal parasites, heartworm disease, fleas, and ticks that are approved by a licensed veterinarian for canine use
• a screening program for known prevalent inheritable diseases that may be disabling or likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of life of the mother or her offspring
•  prohibiting breeding, unless each dog bred has been screened by a veterinarian prior to each attempt to breed and is found to be free from health conditions that may be disabling to, or likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of life of the mother or her offspring (as documented by a licensed veterinarian upon examination)
• prohibiting the breeding of a female dog to produce more than two litters in any 18-month period; or more than 6 litters in that dog’s lifetime. 

the full text of the legislation can be read here  

While this legislation is truly transformative, it does not go far enough to fully tackle the issues that come with the puppy and kitten mill crisis. To truly tackle the puppy mill and kitten mill situation in America and to rein in pet homelessness I believe that the following items need to be added to the legislation 

1. Congruent regulations for cat breeders as there are for dog breeders in this legislation
2.  Funds earmarked for TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release) programs throughout the United States
3. Tax breaks for citizens who adopt from animal shelters and rescues
4. Tax breaks for landlords, homeowners associations, and relators who reduce or dispose of their pet restrictions for tenants  and residents 
5. Establish a federal program to help provide low to no-cost spay and neuter, vaccination, and microchipping services for low-income families
6. Ban the inhumane practices of devoicing and declawing cats and dogs

We can build a brighter future for dogs and cats in America, we need the political will to do so. Contact your member of congress and your senator and tell them to support H.R. 1624