USDA Unveils Tougher Enforcement Plan for Commercial Dog Breeders in the US

In the United States, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set out plans to tighten how it enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act against commercial dog breeders. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the move at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, alongside Congressman Zach Nunn, saying the agency is increasing its enforcement staff by 20 per cent and naming Iowa, Missouri and Virginia as priority states because of a history of compliance problems in the breeding industry there.

The USDA says breeder compliance with the Act's humane care standards has risen from an average of 67 per cent in 2015 to more than 92 per cent in 2025, and that in 2026 it has denied, suspended or revoked licences for 19 dog breeders nationwide following more than 2,000 inspections of breeders and brokers. Planned changes include tighter licensing requirements, a rule requiring surgeries, dental work and euthanasia to be carried out only by a licensed veterinarian, and backing for Goldie's Act, a bill before Congress that would require the USDA to share violation details with state and local officials and to carry out follow-up inspections once problems are found.

The announcement comes as the agency separately defends its past licensing decisions in a court case brought by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which argues that enforcement of the Act has, at times, been applied inconsistently rather than reliably. For breeders and owners anywhere commercial breeding is regulated, the episode is a useful reminder that clear record-keeping, routine veterinary oversight and readiness for inspection are what keep a licence secure, whatever the jurisdiction.