Federal Legislation
The 112th Congress convened on 1/3/11. We will update this page as new federal legislation is filed.
Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012 (H.R. 3798)
This bill would require various improvements in housing and care for egg-laying hens, and would also require labeling on egg cartons.
Traveling Exotic Animal Protect Act (H.R. 3359)
This bill would amend the Animal Welfare Act to restrict exhibition of exotic animals in traveling shows and circuses.
American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R. 2966 and S. 1176)
This bill would amend the Horse Protection Act to prohibit the sale and transport of horses and other equines for slaughter in the United States.
Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act (H.R. 2657)
This bill would prohibit the use of body-gripping traps on National Wildlife Refuge land, which would protect wild and domestic animals - and people - from these indiscriminate and inhumane devices.
Sportsmanship in Hunting Act (H.R. 2210)
This bill would prohibit interstate transport of exotic animals for canned and internet hunting.
Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act (H.R. 2492 and S.1947)
This bill would prohibit attending animal fights and has higher penalties for bringing minors to such fights.
Puppy Uniform Protection Act (H.R. 835 and S.707)
These bills would require that large commercial dog breeders who sell 50 or more puppies annually directly to consumers via the Internet or elsewhere be licensed and inspected by the USDA (closing a loophole in the Animal Welfare Act). These bills also require daily exercise opportunities for breeding dogs at commercial dog breeding facilities.
Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 198)
The Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act would create a pilot program for training dogs to help treat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other post-deployment mental health conditions. Smart and loving homeless dogs will have the honor of assisting these vets integrate back into society.
The Great Ape Protection Act (H.R. 1513/S. 810)
Phases out the use of chimpanzees in invasive research in both federally funded and private laboratories; Releases the more than 500 federally owned chimpanzees to sanctuaries; Prohibits future breeding of chimpanzees for purposes of conducting invasive research.
These bills would amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to exempt gray wolves (canis lupus) from protection. Without federal protection, wolves could be killed in states across the country - after so much effort has been put into their restoration. Never before has a federally protected species been exempted from the ESA. Update: this legislation was attached to a bill that passed the House (H.R.1); the same could happen in the Senate, please ask your Massachusetts federal legislators to oppose any and all legislation that would limit ESA protection for wolves.
H.R.2834- Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage and Opportunities Act
This bill would allow unrestricted fishing, hunting, and shooting on federal lands, including wilderness areas, and would close loopholes in the law that enable the agencies that manage public lands to place restrictions on those activities.
For more information:
- To see a list of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation in the 112th Congress, click here
- To find out who represents you and how to contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators, visit http://www.wheredoivotema.com/
- To see how the MA Congressional Delegation scored in 2011 (midterm report on the 112th session of Congress), see the Humane Society Legislative Fund's scorecard
