(Washington, D.C., September 21, 2026) – Secretary Brooke L. Rollins of the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced new initiatives aimed at enhancing oversight of companion animals. This announcement came during a Strikeforce roundtable with officials from various federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
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Secretary Rollins emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring that animals are treated with respect and proper care. She noted that the new standards aim to improve animal welfare, provide training, and enhance public awareness regarding companion animals. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. added that the administration is dedicated to strengthening oversight, enforcing laws against animal mistreatment, and pivoting towards human-based research to reduce reliance on animal testing.
As part of these efforts, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will propose updates to standards of care in 2027. This proposal will stem from over 7,500 public comments advocating for stronger Animal Welfare Act (AWA) standards for dogs. APHIS is currently finalizing a review concerning the humane treatment, medical care, and socialization of dogs under the AWA.
To enhance compliance, USDA is issuing over 2,000 regulatory refresher notices to dog breeding facilities, clarifying legal requirements for humane care. Additionally, USDA has launched the Animal Protection Bureau (APB), tasked with improving enforcement and monitoring of animal welfare compliance nationwide.
USDA's Office of Inspector General plans to increase its staffing by 20% in the upcoming year to focus on animal fighting and related concerns. This initiative supports ongoing investigations and legal actions against those violating animal welfare statutes. In 2026, USDA took steps to remove repeat offenders from programs, including denying or terminating 8 dog breeder licenses and suspending 6 others.
The Trump Administration has successfully implemented over two dozen priorities aimed at enhancing companion animal welfare. These include improved inspection protocols, accelerated actions against violators, and extensive public outreach efforts, including a recent dog adoption event aimed at raising awareness.
The USDA continues to prioritize the welfare of companion animals by bolstering enforcement efforts, engaging in targeted investigations, and fostering public support for animal welfare initiatives.