other federal legislation

In 2008 federal legislative session, there were many issues before the government in regards to animal protection and safety. From dog-fighting to pet food safety to the use of steel law traps to wild horses to puppy imports to the use of stolen pets for research, Congress was busy.

The Farm Bill

Of top interest to many people was the writing and passage of the 2008 Farm Bill. This bill is an omnibus, multi-year authorization law that incorporates farm and food legislation and impacts animal health and welfare, research programs and the veterinary profession.

Animal protection amendments were added to the Farm Bill. These animal protection measures were possible due to citizens contacting their legislators and asking that they be included.

Specifically, the final Farm Bill now includes measures to "stop the import of puppies for commercial sale from foreign puppy mills, strengthen the federal law against animal fighting, and increase penalties for those who violate the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)." (per HSUS; see link)

To learn more, check out some of the links below.

• HSUS: What’s at stake? Protect Pets in the Final Farm Bill
• Pet Safety and Protection Act, part of 2007 Farm Bill (dated article; Buck's Bill)
• Michigan Humane Society: review of Federal Legislation