Legislation

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE DOGS NOW

Only Congress can change laws for the USDA puppy mill dogs. This is where YOU help.

There are currently two bills in the House that need Cosponsors. (Senate bills will be coming soon, stay tuned.)

Contact your U.S. House Representatives (all that apply to your zip code. How to video below.)

  • Let them know you are a constituent.
  • Simply ask them to Cosponsor and support both Goldie’s Act (H.R.1788) and the Puppy Protection Act (H.R.1624).

Sample message.
How to contact your Representative video
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Systemic abuse and cruelty is happening now!

The USDA inspection reports, standards of care, lack of vet care and conditions show the estimated 250,000 dogs that are considered livestock, suffer year after year.

They suffer from untreated wounds, infected ears, infected eyes, lack of regular vet care, severe matting, and dogs are seen living in filth year after year. This does not include the mental abuse these dogs endure 24/7/365.

Goldie's Act

Goldie’s Act (H.R.1788)

This bill is named after Goldie, a Golden Retriever also known as dog #142.  Goldie’s Act will amend the Animal Welfare Act to increase enforcement with respect to violations of that Act.

Goldie was one of hundreds of dogs in a USDA licensed Iowa puppy mill. USDA inspectors witnessed Goldie’s condition deteriorate and did nothing.

Goldie was denied crucial vet care, fresh food and water. She was dying in front of USDA inspectors eyes and they did nothing to help her. Goldie died in 2021 after suffering severe neglect for months, even as USDA inspectors were on site. She is just one example of the USDA enforcement arm failing at their job to protect dogs.

A complaint filed by the Department of Justice details the horrific treatment of Goldie and the dogs at Daniel Gingerich’s USDA licensed operation.

Goldie’s Act Fact Sheet

USDA lack of enforcement information and why we need to pass Goldie’s Act.

Puppy Protection Act

Puppy Protection Act (H.R.1624)

This bill will amend the current low inhumane standards of care for dogs living and regulated under the  Animal Welfare Act.

The Puppy Protection Act will:

  • Require retired breeding dogs to be rehomed or given to rescue instead of being destroyed and killed.
  • Increased cage sizes.
  • Require solid flooring instead of wire.
  • End the use of stacked wire cages.
  • Require prompt veterinary care for dogs with injuries and illnesses.
  • Require dogs to be protected from extreme heat or very cold temperatures.

These all seem like basic care standards but currently, USDA licensed dog breeders are not required to provide any of this.

Puppy Protection Act Fact Sheet.

Contact your U.S. Representatives.
Ask them to Cosponsor and support both Goldie’s Act and the Puppy Protection Act.

(See sample message here)