Manatee Review

Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congresswoman Deborah Ross have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing transparency in the pet buying process and cracking down on inhumane dog breeding facilities. The proposed bill, known as the Petfax Act, would require sellers to provide a "Petfax" report detailing the conditions in which the animal was bred and raised, as well as its health history.

The Petfax Act also seeks to create stricter criteria for obtaining and maintaining licenses to sell pets, ensuring that only legitimate and responsible sellers are allowed to operate in the industry. Importantly, this legislation will not affect small-scale dog breeders, as it only applies to those with five or more female breeding animals.

It is estimated that there are at least 10,000 puppy mills in the United States. These commercial dog breeding facilities often sell animals without disclosing their history or health problems. Puppies raised in such conditions or those that have not received proper veterinary care often suffer from illnesses or parasites that can be transmitted to humans. Moreover, diseases can spread rapidly at open-air venues like flea markets.

Congressman Buchanan emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability among breeders and sellers, stating, "Whenever you buy a car, it usually comes with a detailed 'Carfax' report detailing the vehicle's history. Adopting a pet should be no different." He believes that cracking down on these unsanitary and inhumane puppy mills is crucial for ensuring a safe and healthy future in the animal buying process.

Congresswoman Deborah Ross highlights the fact that many animals suffer from inhumane conditions, while adopters are kept in the dark about their history and breeding. She believes that the Petfax Act is a crucial step towards providing essential information to prospective pet owners and promoting transparency among breeders and sellers. Ross is committed to creating a future where every pet finds a loving home through ethical and informed choices.

The proposed legislation has gained support from various stakeholders, including Evangeline McDonald, a dog owner from Tucson, Arizona, who experienced significant financial burden after purchasing a dog from a pet store. McDonald spent over $5,000 on veterinary care, including tests, medication, and hospitalization. She believes that the disclosure of breeding operations, alerting consumers of breeders with animal care violations, and providing full medical records and consumer warranties without loopholes are necessary measures to protect pet owners and the dogs themselves.

Congressman Buchanan has been a leading advocate for protecting endangered species and ending animal cruelty. He has introduced several important animal protection measures, including the PACT ACT, the nation's first federal animal cruelty law. His legislation to end government-mandated animal testing to determine a drug's human efficacy was also recently signed into law.

By introducing the Petfax Act, Congressman Buchanan and Congresswoman Ross aim to address the issue of puppy mills and improve the welfare of animals in the pet industry. The proposed legislation focuses on increasing transparency and accountability, providing essential information to prospective pet owners, and promoting responsible practices within the industry.