PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-338.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 26, 2005
Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005 - Amends the Animal Welfare Act to revise the definition of dealer (in animals) to include: (1) sellers of dogs imported from outside the United States; and (2) persons who sell more than 25 dogs or cats or who whelp for sale more than six litters of dogs or cats annually.
Defines "retail pet store" for purposes of the Act as a public retail establishment that sells animals commonly kept as pets in U.S. households (e.g., dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters). Excludes from such definition: (1) a person breeding animals to sell to the public as pets; (2) a person selling hunting, security, or breeding dogs; or (3) a person selling wild animals.
Requires dealers and retail pet stores to provide the Secretary of Agriculture with source records relating to the purchase or acquisition of dogs and cats.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Authorizes the Secretary to extend the period for the temporary suspension of a dealer license for a violation of the Act from 21 to 60 days, if the Secretary believes that such violation will continue past the initial 21-day period and will jeopardize the health of any animal.
Authorizes the Secretary to apply directly to a U.S. district court for a temporary restraining order or injunction to address violations of the Act.
People & committees
Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] · R–PA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-338.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S9148-9149)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S6031)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Nov 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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