Democrat Angie Craig and Republican Dusty Johnson Announce Launch of Bipartisan Congressional Pet Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Pet Caucus, which will focus on the health and nutritional well-being of companion animals, commonsense legislation supporting pet ownership and science-based and transparent regulations. According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, 70% of U.S. households – or about 90.5 million families – have a pet in the family. This is up from 56 percent of U.S. households in 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, and 67 percent in 2019.
Representative Craig also chaired the Congressional Pet Caucus in the 116th Congress.
"I am honored to announce the Congressional Pet Caucus today alongside my friend, colleague and co-chair, Dusty Johnson," said Representative Craig. "Pets are members of the family and bring joy to millions of American homes – and we are lucky to have them in our lives. Our family is particularly blessed by our nearly 14-year-old golden retriever, Summitt, and our rescue cat, Sophie. Every pet owner wants the best for their animal – which is why we are relaunching the Congressional Pet Caucus to promote commonsense legislation to advance pet nutrition, support adoption programs, educate Americans and so much more."
"We have all seen the important bond so many people have with their pets," said Representative Johnson. "I am looking forward to working with Rep. Craig to advance common-sense policy in this area."
"We welcome the leadership of Representatives Craig and Johnson in the Congressional Pet Caucus, which will address issues relevant to both pet food makers and pet lovers across the country," said Dana Brooks, president and CEO of the Pet Food Institute. "This caucus is an important avenue where policymakers can come together to identify opportunities to advance pet nutrition, celebrate the benefits pets bring to our lives, and find bipartisan policy solutions to the challenges at hand."
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