PUPS legislation aims to close loopholes on Internet puppy sales

Washington

-- A federal bill that seeks to close “Internet loopholes” with online puppy sales was introduced to the U.S. Senate.

Senate Bill 3424, also known as the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act (PUPS), would require anyone breeding and selling more than 50 puppies per year over the Internet to fall under the regulatory watch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This would mean breeders/sellers would have to submit to veterinary and housing inspections by USDA every two years and meet federal minimum standards of care. Exercise requirements/standards are outlined in the legislation too, but the law does not limit the number of dogs that can be owned by one breeder or kennel, nor does it define commercial breeders based on the number of dogs owned.

PUPS is under review by Senate committees, but no hearings were scheduled as of press time.