Congressman Anthony Brindisi highlighted three animal protection bills he's working to pass through Congress during a visit to the Stevens Swan Humane Society on Wednesday.

The Utica Democrat is the co-sponsor of the three bills that would strengthen penalties or regulations on horse trainers and dog breeders, and those who are convicted of abusing an animal on federal property.

The soring of horses includes various actions taken on horses' limbs to produce higher gaits that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness.

Specifically, the bill expands soring regulation and enforcement at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, including by establishing a new system for inspecting horses for soring. In addition, the bill increases penalties for violations, according to the legislation passed by the House.

The bill focus on federall licensed commercial dog breeders who sell puppies to retails, commercial brokers or those who sell privately over the internet and would change requirements on cage size, human socialization, veteranary care, and outdoor activity, Brindisi said. The Puppy Protection Act will not impact family pets, livestock, or hobbyist breeders.

The Congressman says USDA currently regulates these dealers, but says existing regulations fall short.

The last would make it a federal crime to commit maliciously cruel acts on federal property or in interstate commerce, he said.

The PACT legislation has been approved by the House, but is awaiting action in the Senate. The language on the other two bills is still being constructed.

 

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