Controversial PAWS Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005 sponsored by Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Rick Santorum and Illinois Democrat Sen. Richard Durbin has come under fire by the pet industry.
The statute would amend the Animal Welfare Act, which regulates the commercial pet trade. Under the act, the retail end of the pet trade is left to state and local governments but, according to opponents, PAWS would blur the distinction between wholesalers and retailers.
The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, a pet trade lobby, opposes several provisions in the proposal and contends that the legislation would force the licensing of a disproportionate number of the nations pet stores. PIJAC has asked that the section of the bill that would cause the federal licensing of pet stores be dropped.
Posted: Nov. 7, 2005 at 3 p.m. EST