Dear [Your Elected Official],

<p>I am writing to you as a constituent to ask that you OPPOSE the deceptively named, Puppy Protection Act, or H.R.2253. </p> <p>This misguieded legislation proposes sweeping amendments to the Animal Welfare Act, establishing new federal mandates that would significantly restrict lawful dog breeding operations across the U.S.—regardless of their existing compliance, ethics, or breed-specific standards.</p> <p>If enacted, H.R. 2253 would:</p> <ul> <li>Impose Breeding Restrictions: Limiting breeding to dogs that have been pre-screened by a veterinarian and are free from inheritable diseases. Breeders would be prohibited from breeding a female dog more than twice in an 18-month period or more than six times in her lifetime. </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Housing and Exercise Standards: Mandating that dogs have unfettered access to outdoor exercise areas has already proven to be a problematic, one-size-fits-all regulation in other states.  And exercise mandates are unenforceable, subjecting the licensee to more paperwork.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Socialization Mandates: Another unenforceable mandate, requiring at least 30 minutes of daily socialization for dogs, interaction with humans and other dogs.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>H.R.2253 imposes uniform standards that fail to account for the diversity of dog breeds and breeding practices. For instance, temperature regulations and enclosure size requirements may not be suitable for all breeds, potentially compromising animal welfare rather than enhancing it</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Temperature Regulations: Prohibiting the keeping of dogs in enclosures where the temperature is above 85°F or below 45°F, regardless of breed-specific needs or acclimation.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Mandates, such as specific socialization protocols and breeding limits, lack a solid scientific foundation and do not reflect best practices in animal husbandry practices.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>License Revocation Policy: Implementing a "three strikes and you're out" policy, where a breeder's license would be revoked after three violations, without distinguishing between minor and severe infractions, it opens up breeders to potential harassment through minor infractions.</li> </ul> <p>I respectfully ask that you OPPOSE H.R. 2253, an overreach that threatens responsible dog breeders, animal husbandry practices, and America's rural economies. </p>