Goldie’s Act
Bipartisan Bill Requires USDA to Rescue Suffering Animals and Increase Fines for Negligent Breeders
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Commercial animal dealers, exhibitors (like roadside zoos), and auction operators would face significantly stricter oversight, including mandatory annual inspections, follow-up inspections until all violations are corrected, and fines of up to $10,000 per violation per day. Businesses that fail to meet animal welfare standards could also have animals confiscated on the spot, and penalties can no longer be reduced by 10% or more, meaning these businesses face much stiffer financial consequences for noncompliance.
Broader Impacts
Milestones
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesStudy 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.
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.
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.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Goldie’s Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(89)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.