By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced expanded enforcement actions to strengthen animal welfare protections across the country. Under the leadership of Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, USDA is working closely with the Department of Justice and other federal agencies to address chronic violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and prosecute dog fighting cases.
“Let me be clear, if you are breeding dogs and not meeting the Animal Welfare Act’s humane standards of care, your time is up. We will not allow a handful of bad actors to tarnish the reputation of responsible American breeders or compromise the humane treatment of animals,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
“Together, President Trump’s cabinet is working together to support our great dog breeders across the country, while stepping up enforcement on recurring bad actors and working to end dog fighting once and for all,” said Rollins.
Dogs remain the most owned pets in the United States, with millions of families viewing them as members of their household. While most breeders meet federal standards, a small number continues to violate humane care requirements. USDA reports that overall compliance has improved greatly in recent years, rising from 67% in 2015 to more than 92% in 2025.
To further improve oversight, USDA will initiate enforcement actions against repeat violators and, in serious cases, remove offenders from the industry. The agency is expanding its compliance and enforcement specialist teams to identify unlicensed activities and investigate individuals importing dogs without proper permits.
Inspector training and compliance tracking systems will be strengthened to ensure more consistent Animal Welfare Act inspections. USDA will also increase information sharing with state and federal partners to support coordinated enforcement efforts.
A new agreement between USDA and the Department of Justice will enhance cooperation in prosecuting dog fighting crimes. Recent federal cases have led to significant prison sentences for individuals involved in organized dog fighting operations across multiple states.
USDA has opened a 30-day public comment period through a Request for Information. Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to provide feedback on current humane care standards to ensure regulations align with updated science and best practices.
Consumers are encouraged to review breeder inspection records using the USDA Animal Care Public Search Tool. USDA also promotes adoption initiatives and provides an online complaint form for reporting suspected Animal Welfare Act violations.
These combined actions demonstrate a coordinated federal effort to protect companion animals, ensure responsible breeding practices, and uphold the highest standards of humane care nationwide.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-humonia
Categories: National