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BILLS INTRODUCED - 109th Congress


NABR has identified the following bills introduced during the current Congressional session that could impact biomedical research institutions. Updates on pending legislation are provided frequently to NABR institutional members. For more information, please contact NABR.


The “Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005” “PAWS”
On May 26, 2005, Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) introduced S. 1139 the “Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005” “PAWS.” A House companion bill was introduced HR 2669 by Representatives Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Sam Farr (D-CA). This bill would amend the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to strengthen the ability of the Secretary of Agriculture to regulate the pet industry. The bill permits USDA to extend temporary license suspensions from 21 days to 60 days if it believes violations will place the health of any animal in serious danger. Institutions that purchase animals from unlicensed dealers would likely be affected by this legislation. The American Kennel club and the Humane Society of the United States both support this bill.
Read the full text of SB 1139 (pdf) or check its status.
Read the full text of HR 2669 (pdf) or check its status.

The “Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2005” Introduced in the Senate
On February 17, Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) once again introduced S. 451, the "Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2005.” The introduction of the bill, and indeed Senator Akaka's speech introducing the bill, are in response to recent fines that the USDA levied against an Arkansas Class 'B' dealer. This bill is very similar to bills introduced by Sen. Akaka in 2004, 2001, 1999 and 1996. Several other bills on this subject have also been introduced in the House of Representatives during previous congressional sessions. The bill is based upon the false assumption that dogs and cats are routinely stolen and sold to research facilities.

Legislation Introduced to Treat Non-Human Primates as Prohibited Wildlife under the Lacey Act
On January 16, Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Rob Simmons (R-CT) introduced a bill (HR 1329) to amend the Lacey Act amendments of 1981 to include non-human primates as prohibited wildlife. While the text of the bill was not available at press time, the 1981 amendments to the Lacey Act make it illegal to import, export, transport, or trade in fish, wildlife and plants taken or possessed in violation of federal, state or tribal law. The interstate or foreign trade in fish and wildlife taken or possessed in violation of foreign law also is illegal under the Act.
Read the full text of HR 1329 (pdf) or check its status.


BILLS INTRODUCED - 108th Congress


NABR identified the following bills introduced during the 108th Congressional session that could impact biomedical research institutions. Updates on pending legislation are provided frequently to NABR institutional members. For more information, please contact NABR.

H.R. 3484 "Puppy Protection Act of 2003"
Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) introduced H.R. 3484, the "Puppy Protection Act of 2003," in the House of Representatives on November 7, 2003. The bill - similar to measures introduced in the 107th Congress by Rep. Whitfield and Senator Santorum -- has two main provisions: (1) breeding restrictions for female dogs and (2) a "three strikes and you're out" provision if serious violations are documented over an eight-year period. The breeding requirements section of the bill would prohibit breeding of female dogs less than one year of age, and prohibit breeding more frequently than three times in any 24-month period. The bill has been referred to the House subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture.
Read the full text of HR 3484 (pdf) or check its status.


S. 2346 “Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2004”
Sen. Akaka (D-HI) introduced S. 2346, the "Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2004," in the Senate on April 26, 2004. The legislation would prohibit USDA-licensed Class B dealers from selling animals to research facilities, and would require pounds and shelters that provide animals for research to register with the USDA. The bill also imposes a number of restrictions on the ability of individuals to donate animals to research. The Senator introduced similar bills in the 106th and 107th Congresses. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Read the full bill





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