Dogs and Cats Need Our Help!

On June 21, U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (PA) and Chris Smith (NJ) reintroduced the Pet Safety and Protection Act (H.R. 2256), and we need your help to pass it! This bill would prohibit random source Class B animal dealers from selling dogs and cats, many of whom are likely former pets, to research facilities.

The tale of Cruella illustrates why these dealers should be banned. Cruella was a shepherd mix from a small town in Michigan who was found wandering, wearing a purple collar and chain. Cruella was taken to a local pound and was later given to a random source Class B dealer, who, after keeping her for six months, sold her to a university laboratory where she was killed after seven months. In reviewing her records, it was clear that Cruella had once been someone’s pet.

Random source Class B dealers have a long history of Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations, some of which include illegal acquisition of animals, improper record keeping, and failure to provide adequate veterinary care. In fact, over half of these dealers are currently under investigation for AWA violations. In addition, the Government Accountability Office released a report highlighting the failure of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in ensuring that these dealers do not obtain animals illegally. Despite this, random source Class B dealers continue to reap huge profits from their unscrupulous business dealings.

Although these numbers are slowly diminishing, the Pet Safety and Protection Act (H.R. 2256), would ban random source Class B dealers for good. A decade ago, there were over 100 Class B dealers, but today there are only seven in operation. Moreover, the National Academies’ Institute for Animal Research conducted a study, finding that random source Class B dealers are not necessary players in federally-funded research.

The Pet Safety and Protection Act was drafted too late for Cruella. But passage of this important bill could help save other dogs and cats from her same fate.

Please contact your U.S. Representative and ask him or her to spare America’s dogs and cats from a life in research laboratories by supporting the Pet Safety and Protection Act (H.R. 2256), legislation that would ban random source Class B animal dealers.