Animal Welfare
Representative Waxman has spent his career in Congress working for the humane treatment of animals. He is a strong proponent of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which protects and recovers imperiled species and their ecosystems, and fights for the highest possible funding to implement this important law. In addition, during the 112th Congress he has cosponsored the following bills to improve the welfare of animals.
- H.R.835, the Puppy Uniform Protection and Safety Act, would require that any individual who sells or breeds more than 50 puppies for sale in a 1-year period be licensed and registered. In addition, the bill would require that puppies older than 12 weeks get regular exercise before they are sold.
- H.R.2657, the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act, would prohibit the use or possession of body-gripping traps in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
- H.R.2210, the Sportsmanship in Hunting Act of 2011, would prohibit the transfer, transport, or possession of a confined exotic animal for the purpose of allowing the killing or injuring of the animal for entertainment or for the collection of a trophy.
- H.R. 3704, the Downed Animal and Food Safety Protection Act, would promulgate regulations for the humane treatment, handling, and disposition of injured livestock.
- H.R. 3798, Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012, would improve living standards and set a minimum cage size for egg-laying hens.