On September 11, 2024, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional representatives about key animal welfare issues. Representing the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), my primary goal was to raise awareness of the IACP’s mission and promote a more thoughtful approach to federal animal welfare policy. Specifically, I discussed the importance of keeping politics out of the legislative process concerning animal care, as overly prescriptive laws could inadvertently lead to delays in improving standards.
Opposing Certain Federal Bills
Several bills under consideration pose significant concerns because they would lock specific animal care standards into law through the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). While these bills are well-intentioned, the inclusion of detailed care requirements within the AWA would mean that any future changes to these standards would require Congressional action. This approach risks subjecting animal care to the political climate of the day and could cause long delays in adapting to advancements in animal care practices. My discussions centered around opposing these bills for that reason, emphasizing that science-based and expert-driven regulations, free from political interference, are crucial for ensuring timely and effective animal welfare improvements.
- **H.R. 1624 – Puppy Protection Act of 2023**
This bill seeks to impose specific living and care standards for dogs in federally licensed breeding facilities. While well-meaning, locking these standards into the AWA would make it difficult to adapt to changes in knowledge and best practices without going through the lengthy process of Congressional approval. Animal welfare is best served by flexible, science-based regulations that can evolve with the times.
- **H.R. 1788 / S. 4033 – Goldie’s Act**
Goldie’s Act aims to improve enforcement by USDA inspectors in cases of animal cruelty. However, by embedding rigid requirements into federal law, this bill risks creating bureaucratic hurdles that could delay immediate action in emergency situations. Instead, we need more streamlined enforcement mechanisms that empower regulators to act quickly, when necessary, without waiting for political consensus.
- **H.R. 3859 – Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act**
This bill intends to strengthen penalties for Animal Welfare Act violations, but it also introduces additional layers of complexity to the enforcement process. By making changes to the AWA that require Congressional oversight, it could slow down necessary updates to how violations are handled. Opposing this bill was a key point in my discussions, as I advocated for more responsive, administrative solutions that do not rely on the political process.
- **H.R. 5041 / S. 2555 – Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023**
The Better CARE for Animals Act seeks to regulate animal care in federal research facilities. Similar to the other bills, it threatens to create rigid legal requirements that would be difficult to update as scientific knowledge evolves. I emphasized the need for these standards to remain adaptable, driven by experts in the field rather than being locked into the slow-moving machinery of Congressional politics.
- **Healthy Dog Importation Act (H.R. 1184 / S. 502)**
While this act addresses concerns about the health risks of dogs being imported into the U.S., it would impose strict regulations that could be difficult to amend should new health information or technologies become available. My opposition centered around the need for flexible, up-to-date standards to keep our country safe without placing unnecessary regulatory burdens on dog importation.
Writing specific inspection or enforcement regulations into the Animal Welfare Act itself creates an unfunded mandate that constrains the resources of the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) which are already stretched thin. We should support a significant increase in funding for the oversight of APHIS, which would in turn allow for robust enforcement of existing regulations.
Highlighting the People and Animals Well-being Act of 2024 (PAWS Act)
In contrast to the bills I opposed, I was pleased to discuss **H.R. 9508 – People and Animals Well-being Act of 2024**, which was introduced on September 10, 2024. This bill takes a holistic approach to animal welfare by recognizing the importance of animal well-being alongside human health and community mental health. Unlike the prescriptive bills I opposed, this act provides room for ongoing updates as science and understanding of animal welfare progress, without requiring political action for every small change.
The People and Animals Well-being Act aligns with the IACP’s values by focusing on the overall human-animal relationship, not just the care of animals in specific settings. It acknowledges the importance of therapy animals, emotional support animals, and the profound bond between humans and animals in enhancing quality of life for both. This forward-thinking approach is an excellent example of how we can address animal welfare through policy without rigidly codifying specific standards that could become outdated.
Promoting the IACP’s Mission
While I was on Capitol Hill, bringing attention to the IACP’s mission was my main objective. The IACP advocates for humane, professional standards in canine care and training, ensuring that dogs are treated ethically while receiving proper guidance for behavior and safety. I emphasized that any federal legislation should respect the expertise of professionals who are already working in the field and should avoid entangling animal welfare in a prolonged political process.
We need to ensure that animal welfare legislation is flexible, responsive, and based on the latest knowledge from experts in the field, rather than being subject to shifting political winds. The IACP believes in the importance of science-based guidelines that promote the highest standards of care without being mired in bureaucracy.
Looking Forward: A Balanced Approach to Animal Welfare
My visit to Washington, D.C., was a success in highlighting the need for responsible, non-political approaches to federal animal welfare policy. By advocating against these specific bills, I aimed to protect animals from the unintended consequences of laws that could hinder rather than help their well-being.
Moving forward, I am hopeful that legislators will recognize the importance of allowing animal care standards to evolve with the times, free from the delays and complexities of the political process. It is my hope that the People and Animals Well-being Act of 2024 serves as a model for future legislation—balancing care for animals with flexibility, informed by experts, and capable of adapting to new developments in the field.
As always, the IACP stands ready to support responsible and effective policies that ensure the well-being of animals and the professionals who care for them.
Marlene Ruiz
Director of Oversight, Legislative and Ethics
