Reschenthaler Introduces Bill Creating “Petfax” Report for Buying a Pet
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) and Congressman Charlie Crist (D-FL) introduced the Petfax Act (H.R. 5715), bipartisan legislation providing pet purchasers a "petfax" report detailing the conditions in which the animal was bred and raised. Under the bill, sellers of dogs and cats would have to divulge Animal Welfare Act violations by the breeder and the health history of the animal. The Petfax Act would also institute new penalties for sellers and breeders who have been involved in animal abuse or deceptive sales practices.
"Too many animals suffer from inhumane conditions in our nation," said Rep. Reschenthaler. "The Petfax Act of 2020, bipartisan legislation I'm introducing with Rep. Crist, will better protect dogs and cats from neglect and abuse. By improving transparency and providing consumers with more information, including the source of their pet and its record on animal welfare inspections, we can hold irresponsible sellers of dogs and cats accountable. Given the proven ties between cruelty to animals and child and senior abuse, I will continue fighting to strengthen protections for our nation's pets."
The Petfax Act empowers consumers by giving them the information they need to make informed decisions about their future pet while promoting honest breeders and sellers. Specifically, the bill requires sellers to report on the breeder and health history of the animal and creates a digital database that includes information about violations of the Animal Welfare Act or Horse Protection Act. This legislation will also reduce the likelihood of repeat offenders by enacting serious penalties for those found to be abusing animals or using deceptive sales practices. These requirements do not impact public animal shelters or nonprofit shelters, except in instances where the organization paid for the animal in question and the seller made a profit.
"Welcoming a new pet into your home is a decision rooted in love. Pet owners deserve the peace of mind that their new family member wasn't abused or mistreated by breeder or seller," said Rep. Crist. "Requiring a petfax increases transparency, decreasing the potential for animal abuse, a win-win for all parties involved."
"Most dogs sold in pet stores come from puppy mills, where the dogs are treated like a cash crop," stated Holly Gann, Director of Federal Affairs for the Animal Wellness Foundation. "If you buy a car, you can get a full history from Carfax; but when it comes to purchasing a puppy, sellers generally won't provide information about where the dog came from or the dog's medical history. We applaud U.S. Reps. Charlie Crist and Guy Reschenthaler for their leadership to protect animals and consumers."
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