,i #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #dfic ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,december #bj1 #bjag,mr4 ,fitzpatrick 7for himself and ,mr4 ,crist7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,agriculture ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,animal ,welfare ,act to provide for the humane treatment of dogs1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,puppy ,protection ,act of #bjag4 #b4 ,additional requirements for dogs in dealer facilities 7a7 ,humane treatment of dogs in dealer facilities ,section #ac7;a7 of ,the ,animal ,welfare ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #badc7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph3 7#i7 ,in addition to the requirements under paragraph 7#b71 the standards described in paragraph 7#a7 shall1 with respect to dogs in a dealer facility1 include requirements-- 7,a7 that such dealer facility provide adequate housing for dogs that includes-- 7i7 completely solid flooring2 7ii7 sufficient indoor space to allow the tallest dog in an enclosure to stand on his or her hind legs without touching the roof of the enclosure2 7iii7 with respect to dogs over #h weeks in age1 primary enclosures that1 with the length of the dog measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail1 provide at least-- 7,i7 #ab square feet of indoor floor space per each dog up to #be inches long2 7,,ii7 #bj square feet of indoor floor space per each dog between #be and #ce inches long2 and 7,,iii7 #cj square feet of indoor floor space per each dog #ce inches and longer2 7iv7 enclosures that are not stacked or otherwise placed on top of or below another enclosure2 and 7v7 temperature control that-- 7,i7 is appropriate for the age1 breed1 and condition of the dogs in the enclosure2 and 7,,ii7 is between #de and #he degrees ,fahrenheit1 when dogs are present in the enclosure2 7,b7 that appropriate and nutritious food be fed at least twice per day1 in an amount sufficient to maintain the good health and physical condition of each dog2 7,c7 for continuous access to potable water that is not frozen and is free of feces1 algae1 and other contaminants be available2 7,d7 for adequate exercise1 including-- 7i7 for dogs over the age of #ab weeks1 unfettered access from their primary enclosures during daylight hours to an outdoor exercise area that is-- 7,i7 at ground-level2 7,,ii7 a solid surface2 7,,iii7 enclosed 7by a fence or other structure72 7,,iv7 properly controlled for the safety of the dogs2 and 7,v7 at least two times the space required for a dog under subparagraph 7,a77iii72 or 7ii7 if the dealer obtains a certification from the attending veterinarian stating that the dog should not have unfettered access to an outdoor exercise area for a specific medical reason1 an alternative and appropriate exercise plan prescribed by the veterinarian for the dog that meets the requirements under section #c4h;a of title #i1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations2 7,e7 for at least #cj minutes each day of meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs that-- 7i7 includes positive interaction with a human such as petting1 stroking1 grooming1 feeding1 playing with1 exercising1 or other touching of the dog that is beneficial to the well-being of the dog2 and 7ii7 does not include time spent in veterinary care2 7,f7 that each dog receive adequate veterinary care1 including-- 7i7 a hands-on examination by a licensed veterinarian at least once each year2 7ii7 core vaccinations recommended by the current version of the ,american ,animal ,hospital ,association ,canine ,vaccination ,guidelines2 and 7iii7 medications to prevent intestinal parasites1 heartworm disease1 fleas1 and ticks that are approved by a licensed veterinarian for canine use2 7,g7 for safe breeding practices1 including-- 7i7 a screening program for known prevalent inheritable diseases that may be disabling or likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of life of the offspring2 7ii7 prohibiting breeding1 unless each dog bred is free from health conditions that may be disabling to1 or likely to significantly affect the lifespan or quality of life of1 the offspring 7as documented by a licensed veterinarian upon examination72 7iii7 prohibiting the breeding of a female dog-- 7,i7 to produce more than two litters in any #ah-month period2 or 7,,ii7 more than #f litters in that dog's lifetime2 7iv7 that female dogs of small breeds 7weighing less than #dj pounds when fully mature7 not be bred-- 7,i7 before reaching the age of #ah months2 or 7,,ii7 after reaching the age of #i years2 7v7 that female dogs of large breeds 7weighing #dj pounds or more when fully mature7 not be bred-- 7,i7 before reaching the age of #b years2 or 7,,ii7 after reaching the age of #g years2 and 7vi7 that any canine caesarian section be performed by a licensed veterinarian2 and 7,h7 to make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs 7such as with an adoptive family1 rescue organization1 or other appropriate owner for that dog1 and not including selling at auction or otherwise placing a retired breeding dog with another breeder for breeding purposes74 4 7b7 ,dealer facility defined ,section #b of the ,animal ,welfare ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #bacb7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7p7 ,the term dealer facility means any facility used by a dealer in commerce to1 for compensation or profit1 deliver for transportation1 transport 7except as a carrier71 buy1 sell1 or negotiate the purchase or sale of1 any dog4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment ,section #ac7;a77#b77;,b7 of the ,animal ,welfare ,act 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #badc7;a77#b77;,b77 is amended by inserting subject to paragraph 7#i71 before for exercise of dogs4 #c4 ,regulations ,not later than #ah months after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary shall issue final regulations establishing the standards for the care of dogs in dealer facilities1 as required by this ,act4