Sen. Richard Blumenthal unveiled a new bill Tuesday aimed at better protecting dogs from abuse.

Blumenthal joined the Connecticut Humane Society to introduce the Puppy Protection Act, which he co-sponsored.

The legislation would establish stronger standards for veterinary care and housing at commercial breeding facilities.

The measure would require larger enclosures, unrestricted access to exercise and at least 30 minutes of human interaction, plus more veterinary care for dogs in a breeder's care.

Advocates say the proposal is designed to improve animal welfare and strengthen protections for dogs at breeding operations.

Blumenthal said the bill is in response to an uptick in animal abuse cases in the state.

"This increase of 37% shows a crisis in Connecticut of animal abuse. We cannot afford, morally, this kind of rampant animal abuse, so we have to strengthen the penalties," he said.