Update—November 3, 2017: The comment period has now closed. Thank you to everyone who spoke up! Please stay tuned—we may need your help in the future.

For years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has handed cruel dog breeders a gift with a big red bow on top: No matter how miserably breeders treat animals, USDA automatically renews their Animal Welfare Act licenses every year. That means breeders with terrible violations—for sick, malnourished or injured animals—are able to stay in business year after year even though they violate the law, while USDA pursues enforcement at a snail's pace.

Now, USDA is considering a change. USDA is accepting public comments on whether animal businesses—including puppy breeders—should have to show that they comply with the basic standards of the Animal Welfare Act before the agency renews their licenses. Sounds like a pretty obvious idea, right? Not necessarily.

The breeding industry is sure to fight tighter oversight, so USDA needs to hear from you. Tell USDA it should not automatically give licenses to people who abuse animals.