Federal agencies strengthen enforcement against dog fighting
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, led by Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, has announced major actions to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
Working alongside the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services, the agency aims to hold chronic violators accountable and stop illegal dog fighting.
“Let me be clear, if you are breeding dogs and not meeting the Animal Welfare Act’s humane standards of care, your time is up. We will not allow a handful of bad actors to tarnish the reputation of responsible American breeders or compromise the humane treatment of animals,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins.
“Together, President Trump’s cabinet is working together to support our great dog breeders across the country, while stepping up enforcement on recurring bad actors and working to end dog fighting once and for all,” said Rollins.
Dogs are the most popular pets in the United States, with more than 65 million households owning at least one dog. Many Americans consider their pets as family members. Because of this strong public support, federal agencies are increasing oversight of dog breeders and individuals involved in illegal activities.
Over the past decade, compliance among licensed dog breeding facilities has improved significantly. USDA reports that compliance with the Animal Welfare Act increased from 67% in 2015 to more than 92% in 2025. However, some facilities continue to violate humane care standards.
To address this, USDA will pursue enforcement actions against repeat violators, suspend or revoke licenses when necessary, and expand investigations into unlicensed breeding and illegal dog imports. The agency will also improve inspector training, increase inspection consistency, and strengthen cooperation with federal and state partners.
Since forming an animal cruelty strike force, USDA has revoked multiple breeder licenses, filed enforcement cases, and referred serious violations to the Department of Justice. A new Memorandum of Understanding between USDA and DOJ will strengthen collaboration, especially in prosecuting dog fighting cases.
Recent federal court cases have resulted in prison sentences for individuals involved in multi-state dog fighting operations. These cases highlight the government’s commitment to ending this illegal practice.
USDA has also opened a 30-day Request for Information, inviting public input on current dog care standards under the Animal Welfare Act. Officials aim to ensure regulations reflect modern science and best practices.
In addition, consumers are encouraged to use USDA’s Animal Care Public Search Tool to review breeder inspection records. The agency also promotes adoption initiatives and provides a complaint form for reporting suspected violations.
Together, these actions represent a significant effort to protect companion animals and ensure humane treatment across the country.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-humonia