Don’t Let Congress Roll Back Protections for Dogs in Puppy Mills!

Farm Bill — Animal Welfare Act Provisions

ASPCA Position: Oppose Provision that Weaken Animal Welfare Regulations

Congress is considering legislation that would weaken protections for dogs suffering in puppy mills. Urge your members of Congress to oppose language that puts animal welfare at risk.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has the duty to protect dogs in puppy mills and ensure that any dogs found suffering are provided care. Right now, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering language in the Farm Bill that would make it even less likely that the USDA will help suffering dogs. As a result, dogs won’t get the help they need and could be forced to endure neglect and cruelty for longer periods of time — if not for the rest of their lives.

What You Can Do

Please use the form below to send a pre-drafted message to your members of Congress, urging them to reject language that could condemn dogs to suffer and die in puppy mills.

Advocacy Alert

Your Message

Subject Reject Provision that Weakens Protections for Dogs in Puppy Mills

Dear Lawmaker,

Message

As your constituent and someone who cares about the welfare of animals, I urge you to exclude the "Confiscation for Unrelieved Suffering" provision – currently included as Sec. 12406(c) – from the 2026 Farm Bill. Instead of strengthening protections for dogs in puppy mills, this provision would roll them back and make it even less likely that suffering dogs will get the help they need.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has the duty to protect dogs in puppy mills and remove any dogs found suffering. The House Farm Bill, however, would raise the standard for removal from "suffering" to “unrelieved suffering.” This bill would also allow the USDA to shift the full physical and financial burden of animal removal and care onto state and local law enforcement and animal control, straining already limited resources, delaying critical intervention, and prolonging animal cruelty. As a result, dogs who are clearly suffering won’t get the help they need and could be forced to endure neglect and cruelty for longer periods of time—if not the rest of their lives.

Like the vast majority of Americans, I want Congress to protect dogs, not make it even less likely that the USDA will help those who are suffering. Please keep this troubling provision out of the Farm Bill.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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