The Fight to Save America’s Dogs: Lawmakers Push for Tougher Breeding Rules

Lawmakers are pushing for a new bill that could change the way dog breeding is regulated in the U.S. The “Make America’s Dogs Safe Again” (MADSA) Act is designed to crack down on irresponsible breeders, shut down inhumane puppy mills, and make sure dogs are treated with the care they deserve. While animal advocates are celebrating the proposal, some breeders and pet owners worry it might go too far.

Why This Bill is Being Proposed

For years, animal welfare groups have been sounding the alarm on puppy mills—large-scale breeding operations that put profits over the health and well-being of dogs. Dogs in these facilities are often kept in cramped cages, denied proper veterinary care, and forced to breed repeatedly, leading to serious health issues.

Take the story of Goldie, a golden retriever rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri. When rescuers found her, she was severely underweight, covered in sores, and had never set foot outside her tiny wire cage. Stories like Goldie’s have fueled the push for stricter regulations to prevent similar neglect and abuse.

What Would Change Under MADSA?

If passed, the MADSA bill would introduce several new regulations for dog breeders:

• Breeders Must Register – Anyone who breeds dogs would have to be officially registered, making it easier to track and regulate their activities.
• Better Living Conditions for Dogs – The bill sets specific requirements for proper housing, food, exercise, and medical care.
• Surprise Inspections – Breeding facilities would be subject to unannounced inspections to ensure they’re following the rules.
• Mandatory Microchipping – Every puppy bred under these regulations would need to be microchipped, making it easier to trace illegal breeders and abandoned dogs.

Animal Advocates Say It’s Long Overdue

Supporters of the bill say it could save thousands of dogs from suffering in puppy mills and unethical breeding facilities.

“We see the heartbreaking effects of irresponsible breeding every single day,” said Jess Grand, Chief of Staff at Furry Friends Humane Society. “Puppies come in sick, malnourished, and terrified of human contact. This bill could make a huge difference.”

Many animal rights groups believe that tougher regulations are necessary to hold breeders accountable and ensure that only responsible breeding practices are allowed.

But Some Say the Bill Goes Too Far

Not everyone is on board with the proposed changes. Some breeders and organizations, like the American Kennel Club (AKC), argue that the bill’s language is too broad and could unfairly target responsible dog owners.

Sheila Groffe, Vice President of Government Relations at the AKC, voiced concerns about how the law defines a “breeder.”

“If you own a female dog that hasn’t been spayed and she’s older than six months, you could be classified as a breeder under this bill,” Groffe explained. “That’s just not realistic. There are a lot of responsible pet owners who aren’t breeders, but they could be caught up in these regulations.”

Some also worry that smaller, ethical breeders who focus on health and temperament could be lumped in with large-scale puppy mills, making it harder for them to continue their work.

How Other States Have Handled It

This isn’t the first time lawmakers have tried to regulate dog breeding. California passed a law banning pet stores from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits unless they come from shelters or rescues, which effectively cut off the supply chain for puppy mills.

Other states, like Virginia, have introduced stricter licensing laws for breeders, leading to a decline in large-scale commercial breeding operations. The MADSA bill aims to create a national standard so bad breeders can’t escape to states with looser laws.

What Happens Next?

The bill is currently under review in Congress, with hearings expected in the coming weeks. If it passes, it could bring some of the biggest changes to animal welfare laws in years.

Animal rights groups are encouraging dog lovers to contact their representatives and show support for the bill. Meanwhile, breeders and pet owners who oppose it are urging lawmakers to reconsider how it’s written to avoid unintended consequences.

“We all want what’s best for dogs,” said Grand. “The question is how we get there in a way that’s fair and effective.”