Pledging
These are the original issues in this subcategory
  • COSMETICS TESTING
  • HORSE SLAUGHTER
  • PUPPY MILLS
Winning Issue » PUPPY MILLS


Although difficult to precisely define, most puppy mills are large-scale, low-overhead breeding operations where profits are given priority over the welfare of the animals. Nearly all pet store dogs come from puppy mills. These puppies are covered under the Animal Welfare Act but its standards provide only minimum survival conditions for these animals and enforcement is sorely lacking. Also, these protections only apply to puppy wholesalers, not to the considerable number of facilities selling online or directly to the public. Only about half our states have laws to protect against puppy mill abuse and cruelty. These animals often live in cramped, unsanitary cages without veterinary care, climate control or daily exercise - all the while being forced to produce as many offspring as possible.

Proposed Legislation: S.3519 - Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act (110th Congress 2007-2008)
Prospective Sponsor: Sen. Richard Durbin (IL)



Polling Options

  • I oppose reforming current puppy mill policy, and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Leader Charles Schumer (NY).
  • I support amending the Animal Welfare Act to define "retail pet store" as a person that: 1.) Sells an animal directly to the public for use as a pet. 2.) Does not breed or raise more than 50 dogs for use as pets during any one-year period. Exempting from requirements to obtain a license as an animal dealer or exhibitor under such Act any retail pet store or other person who: 1.) Does not breed or raise more than 50 dogs for use as pets during any one-year period. 2.) Derives less than a substantial portion of their income from the breeding and raising of dogs or cats on their own premises and sells such dogs or cats to a dealer or research facility. Requiring: 1.) A dealer to provide each dog it holds that is 12 weeks or older with a minimum of two exercise periods during each day for a total of no less than one hour of exercise. 2.) Such exercise to include removing the dog from the dog's primary enclosure and allowing the dog to walk for the entire exercise period. 3.) Such exercise to not include use of a treadmill, catmill, jenny mill, slat mill, or similar device, unless prescribed by a doctor of veterinary medicine. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of either Sen. Richard Durbin (IL) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.


Winning Option

  • I support amending the Animal Welfare Act to define "retail pet store" as a person that:

    1.) Sells an animal directly to the public for use as a pet.

    2.) Does not breed or raise more than 50 dogs for use as pets during any one-year period.

    Exempting from requirements to obtain a license as an animal dealer or exhibitor under such Act any retail pet store or other person who:

    1.) Does not breed or raise more than 50 dogs for use as pets during any one-year period.

    2.) Derives less than a substantial portion of their income from the breeding and raising of dogs or cats on their own premises and sells such dogs or cats to a dealer or research facility.

    Requiring:

    1.) A dealer to provide each dog it holds that is 12 weeks or older with a minimum of two exercise periods during each day for a total of no less than one hour of exercise.

    2.) Such exercise to include removing the dog from the dog's primary enclosure and allowing the dog to walk for the entire exercise period.

    3.) Such exercise to not include use of a treadmill, catmill, jenny mill, slat mill, or similar device, unless prescribed by a doctor of veterinary medicine.

    And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of either Sen. Richard Durbin (IL) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.
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Pledge Period - Opening Date
January 24, 2022
Pledge Period - Closing Date
January 30, 2022
Trustee Election - Begins
January 31, 2022


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