Timeline / USDA Announces Actions Marking New Era of Companion Animal Welfare

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  “Under President Trump, we are strengthening oversight, enforcing the law, and holding those who mistreat animals accountable. At HHS, we are also driving a fundamental shift toward human-based research, with more than 20 actions to advance better science and reduce unnecessary animal testing. Today, we launched a
 new webpage
  so the public can see our progress.”
-Having delivered two dozen animal welfare priorities, the Administration, through APHIS, is taking new steps to strengthen dog, horse and fellow companion animal welfare including:
+Having delivered two dozen animal welfare priorities, the Administration, through APHIS, is taking new steps to strengthen dog and fellow companion animal welfare including:
 Advancing Updates to Standards of Care
 In 2027, USDA will put forth a regulatory proposal based on 7,522 unique public comments received in response to our Request for Information that overwhelmingly support strengthening AWA standards for dogs. APHIS is finalizing review following robust public input governing the humane care, medical care, exercise and socialization, record keeping and research use of dogs under the Animal Welfare Act.
 Delivering Breeder Refresher Notices
 USDA is amplifying its communication and emphasizing the rules through the issuance of over 2,000 regulatory refresher mailings to dog breeding facilities to make crystal clear what the law requires for humane care. Regular communication will strengthen compliance.
 Deploying Welfare Watchdogs
 USDA recently deployed the Animal Protection Bureau (APB), a dedicated unit of specialists formed to enhance nationwide oversight, strengthen enforcement, and advance the humane treatment of animals covered under federal law.
-The newly formed team is in action, playing a pivotal role in supporting the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA) programs by conducting targeted compliance reviews, coordinating investigative efforts, and implementing modernized enforcement strategies. Through its close work with inspectors, veterinary officers, legal partners and program leaders, their work is helping identify unlicensed or unauthorized operations, improve inspections, and proactively address risks to companion animal welfare across the country.
+The newly formed team is in action, playing a pivotal role in supporting the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by conducting targeted compliance reviews, coordinating investigative efforts, and implementing modernized enforcement strategies. Through its close work with inspectors, veterinary officers, legal partners and program leaders, their work is helping identify unlicensed or unauthorized operations, improve inspections, and proactively address risks to companion animal welfare across the country.
 Increase Inspector General Staffing
 In the coming year, USDA OIG John Walk plans to increase its special agent investigator working on animal fighting and other matters by 20%. The OIG supplements APHIS investigations with administrative and legal escalation and the work has resulted in successful enforcement against bad actors, including prosecuting dog fighting and substandard breeding operations.
 Compliance Goal