A Plea to Protect Dogs in USDA Breeding Kennels
Dear President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and Lara Trump,

We the Puppies acknowledge the compassion for animals demonstrated by your administration's EPA and FDA phasing out of cruel tests on dogs and other animals. 

Today, we urge you to sign Executive Orders protecting the approximately 250,000 dogs housed in USDA-licensed dog breeding kennels, often referred to as puppy mills, where welfare concerns exist regarding the conditions the dogs and puppies endure.

USDA reports and inspections frequently show filth, lack of proper vet care, cramped cages and inadequate housing within these facilities.

Inspired by legislative efforts such as the Goldie’s Act and the Puppy Protection Act, we respectfully request that you consider implementing Executive Orders to improve welfare standards and strengthening the enforcement of regulations within USDA kennels. 

Specific Areas for Consideration:

We respectfully request that you consider the following improvements:

Addressing Kennel Conditions: Implement regulations to move away from conditions such as stacked wire cages and severely overcrowded pens, and instead mandate more spacious enclosures with solid flooring and clean bedding, similar to the standards proposed in the Puppy Protection Act.

Ensure Veterinary Care: Enforce requirements for comprehensive veterinary care, including regular hands-on examinations, necessary vaccinations, and timely treatment for illnesses, as outlined in the Puppy Protection Act, to better protect the health of these dogs.

Promote Well-Being: Mandate daily exercise, opportunities for socialization, and environmental enrichment for all dogs to foster their overall well-being, aligning with the welfare standards detailed in the Puppy Protection Act.

Strengthen Enforcement: Enhance USDA enforcement by increasing the frequency and rigor of inspections, swiftly revoking the licenses of those with repeated violations, and ensuring accountability for inspectors in their oversight duties, as advocated by the principles of Goldie’s Act.

Update Regulations: Issue an Executive Order to update the Animal Welfare Act, incorporating key provisions from the Puppy Protection Act and Goldie’s Act, to address existing loopholes and enhance protections for USDA dogs in breeding facilities.

The Importance of Action:

Dogs in USDA-licensed kennels face conditions of neglect, illness, lack of proper vet care and prolonged confinement, and are often deprived of the fundamental care and compassion they deserve. 

This presents an opportunity to protect a significant number of dogs, enhance public trust in animal welfare regulations, and guide the nation toward a more compassionate future.

We the Puppies stand ready to support any efforts undertaken to improve the lives of the dogs and puppies and reduce suffering in USDA dog breeding kennels.

Sincerely,
We the Puppies and all Signers, on behalf of 250,000 dogs in USDA kennels