There are various animal laws at the federal level. The ‘main’ federal law governing dog and cat breeders is called the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). A tremendous amount of information exists on the Internet explaining the Animal Welfare Act (pros and cons).

The Animal Welfare Act provides a framework for the humane treatment of certain animals. In the view of many, however, the actual enforcement of the rules and regulations has been ineffective, and the type of animals protected limited. This is not just in the opinion of humane officers, animal protection groups, local law enforcement or others who have witnessed non-compliance. USDA inspectors themselves and federal auditors have also tried to voice concern.

In 1985, 1992, 1995 and, most recently, in 2005, four major audits were conducted of the USDA’s Animal Welfare Program. Each audit identified multiple deficiencies by the USDA-APHIS, and, with each passing year, these deficiencies were not corrected. In fact, the Inspector General who conducted the last audit cited the “lack of clear National guidance.”

Minnesota can take the lead

Minnesota has waited long enough for the USDA to protect dogs and cats in our State from unscrupulous breeders.

Dog and cat breeder legislation, if enacted by Minnesota legislators, could authorize the State of Minnesota to license and regulate the dog and cat breeding industry, including inspecting USDA-licensed facilities, enforcing standards and imposing penalties.

Minnesotans now have the chance to raise the bar and do what the USDA has failed to do. To quote Congressman George Grider (TN) in 1966 when the Animal Welfare Act was first debated: “The issue before this committee is not whether dog is man’s best friend. Impassioned oratory through the ages offers conclusive proof that he is. The issue is whether man will return this friendship.”

• Animal Welfare Act
  

ANIMAL WELFARE ACT (AWA)

AWA - History
It all started with one stolen dog, named Pepper. The public was outraged and the Animal Welfare Act was created.

AWA - Enactment
Enacted in 1966, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is administered by the Animal Care Program of the USDA-APHIS.

AWA - Licensing and Exemptions
The Animal Welfare Act does not protect all animals. It’s critical to look at who is regulated and who is exempt, especially ‘retail pet stores.’

AWA - Standards and Loopholes
The AWA requires that minimum standards of care and treatment be provided. The USDA-APHIS asks breeders, dealers and others to exceed the minimum.

AWA – Inspections and Enforcements
A main concern of the AWA is the lack of violations cited during inspections and the inability or unwillingness to make violators comply.

AWA – Suggestions for Improvements
There are always ways to improve any law and its administration. Companion Animal Protection Society offers suggestions.

AWA – Animal Care Policy Manual
In 2007, the public was asked to submit comments to the Animal Care Policy Manual which sets guidelines for the administration of the AWA.

OTHER FEDERAL LEGISLATION
From dog-fighting to puppy imports to use of stolen animals for research, there are many animal issues now being debated by Congress.