Congress·In Committee·H.R. 349

Bipartisan Bill Requires USDA to Rescue Suffering Animals and Increase Fines for Negligent Breeders

Goldie’s Act

about 1 year ago·View on Congress.gov

Part of: Congress Moves to Toughen Animal Welfare Enforcement and Penalties

⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

This bill changes how the government protects animals at places like commercial dog breeders, zoos, and research labs. It requires the Department of Agriculture to inspect these businesses at least once a year and perform follow-up visits until every safety or health problem is fixed.
If an inspector finds an animal suffering physically or mentally because of poor care, they must rescue that animal immediately. Once a business is told an animal will be confiscated, they are strictly forbidden from harming or destroying that animal or any others they own without government permission.
The bill requires the Department of Agriculture to share records of any violations with local police or animal control within 24 hours. This ensures that local law enforcement is aware of potential animal cruelty cases so they can take action under state laws if necessary.
To discourage neglect, the bill sets fines at up to $10,000 for each violation, and each day the problem continues counts as a new fine. It also prevents the government from significantly lowering these penalties, making sure that businesses face real financial consequences for failing to provide proper care.

Agriculture

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

Who is affectedScoreImpactCertaintyScopeDurationSentiment

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Broader Impacts

DomainScoreShort-termLong-termReversibilityConfidence

Score

Scores: -5 (harmful) to +5 (beneficial)Short-term: 0-2 yearsLong-term: 10-30 years

Milestones

3 milestones3 actions

Feb 14, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.

Jan 13, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

3 articles

Courthouse News Service·6 months ago

Study says Supreme Court ruling led to less Animal Welfare Act enforcement

Lawmakers reintroduced Goldie's Act, named for an emaciated golden retriever found at an Iowa puppy mill, which would require the USDA to conduct more frequent inspections, provide lifesaving intervention for suffering animals, and communicate with local law enforcement to address cruelty.

KCRG-TV9·over 1 year ago

Goldie's Act aims to combat puppy mills

Goldie's Act is proposed federal legislation inspired by a puppy mill dog in Iowa. The bill would require the USDA to conduct more thorough inspections, impose penalties for violations, and report suspected cruelty to local law enforcement.

Kinship·over 1 year ago

Why Animal Rights Advocates Are Backing Goldie's Act

Goldie's Act is a bill that would require the USDA to report and penalize dog breeders who violate the Animal Welfare Act. The provisions include authority to remove animals in need of care, conduct frequent inspections, and inform law enforcement of concerning violations.