Goldie’s Act

3/15/2025, 8:05 AM

Goldie's Act

This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to document and record detailed descriptions of violations of the act observed during inspections and investigations. USDA must provide a copy of all records documenting violations to state, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement officials within 24 hours of such inspections or investigations.

Inspections must be held at least once a year of each research facility, the premises of each animal dealer, and each exhibitor of animals. If violations are found during inspections, then USDA must conduct any necessary follow-up inspections until all the violations are corrected. Inspectors must confiscate or destroy in a humane manner animals found to be suffering physical or psychological harm as a result of failure to comply with the AWA.

Violators are subject to civil penalties as outlined in the bill.

Bill 119 HR 349, also known as the Animal Welfare Enforcement Act, aims to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act in the United States. The bill seeks to increase penalties for violations of the Act and improve oversight of facilities that house animals.

Specifically, the bill includes provisions to enhance enforcement mechanisms, such as increasing fines for violations and providing additional resources for inspections. It also calls for the establishment of a national database to track violations and ensure that repeat offenders are held accountable.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve the welfare of animals in research facilities, zoos, and other institutions covered by the Animal Welfare Act. This includes requirements for proper housing, feeding, and medical care for animals, as well as provisions to prevent the mistreatment and abuse of animals. Overall, Bill 119 HR 349 aims to strengthen protections for animals and ensure that the Animal Welfare Act is effectively enforced. It is intended to promote the humane treatment of animals and hold violators accountable for their actions.
Congress
119

Number
HR - 349

Introduced on
2025-01-13

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

1/13/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Goldie's Act

This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to document and record detailed descriptions of violations of the act observed during inspections and investigations. USDA must provide a copy of all records documenting violations to state, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement officials within 24 hours of such inspections or investigations.

Inspections must be held at least once a year of each research facility, the premises of each animal dealer, and each exhibitor of animals. If violations are found during inspections, then USDA must conduct any necessary follow-up inspections until all the violations are corrected. Inspectors must confiscate or destroy in a humane manner animals found to be suffering physical or psychological harm as a result of failure to comply with the AWA.

Violators are subject to civil penalties as outlined in the bill.

Bill 119 HR 349, also known as the Animal Welfare Enforcement Act, aims to strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act in the United States. The bill seeks to increase penalties for violations of the Act and improve oversight of facilities that house animals.

Specifically, the bill includes provisions to enhance enforcement mechanisms, such as increasing fines for violations and providing additional resources for inspections. It also calls for the establishment of a national database to track violations and ensure that repeat offenders are held accountable.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve the welfare of animals in research facilities, zoos, and other institutions covered by the Animal Welfare Act. This includes requirements for proper housing, feeding, and medical care for animals, as well as provisions to prevent the mistreatment and abuse of animals. Overall, Bill 119 HR 349 aims to strengthen protections for animals and ensure that the Animal Welfare Act is effectively enforced. It is intended to promote the humane treatment of animals and hold violators accountable for their actions.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Animal Welfare Act to increase enforcement with respect to violations of that Act, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Animals

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/31/2025

Goldie's Act

This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to document and record detailed descriptions of violations o...


Latest Action2/14/2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.