CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Richard Durbin (D-IL)

Puppy Protection Act of 2026

S. 4437 · Senate bill Animals

A Democratic bill with 20 Democratic cosponsors · See all 21 cosponsors

Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "Puppy Protection Act of 2026," seeks to amend the Animal Welfare Act to create new requirements for dog dealers. It establishes specific standards for housing, including floor type, space requirements, and temperature control. The legislation also mandates nutritional standards, access to clean water, and specific exercise and socialization needs. Additionally, it introduces strict breeding guidelines and veterinary care requirements. Finally, it requires dealers to make reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.

Yes

  • Scored +3

    Does this give the federal government more power?

    The bill expands the regulatory requirements overseen by the federal government regarding animal dealers.

The opposite

  • Scored -4

    Would business owners be better off under this?

    The mandate for more space, specialized care, and breeding restrictions increases operational costs for dog breeders.

  • Scored -3

    Does this make it easier to run a small business?

    The bill imposes new, specific, and potentially costly operational standards on dog dealers.