A proposal to require new inspection and license regulations for some small dog and cat breeders, Internet sellers and pet stores that breed pets for resale, was dropped last week due to continuing controversy.
In November, Senator Dick Durbin proposed attaching the amendment to the federal Farm Bill under debate now, but groups such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association opposed it, saying it was unnecessary and would unfairly target hobby breeders with as few as four or five breeding cat pairs.
Also dropped was a suggestion to allow third-party inspections of cat and dog breeders licensed under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Third-party inspectors were to be approved by the USDA and required to adhere to standards “at least as protective of animal welfare” as the agency’s regulations.
Both proposals were reminiscent of the Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS), which was defeated last year.