DEAR EDITOR:

As someone who feels strongly that no animal deserves to suffer, I urge our representative, Rep. Dave Joyce, to co-sponsor Goldie’s Act (H.R. 349) this Congress.

Goldie’s Act is a lifesaving bill that will ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture enforces the Animal Welfare Act as intended.

For decades, the USDA has repeatedly failed to take meaningful action to protect animals in federally licensed facilities — despite its obligation to do so under federal law. This bill will change that.

Goldie’s Act will require the USDA to conduct more frequent and thorough inspections of licensed facilities, record all animal welfare violations, take action to help animals that are suffering and share inspection reports with local law enforcement.

These reforms are vital to prevent animal suffering.

Goldie’s Act is named for Goldie, a golden retriever who suffered and died from neglect in a USDA-licensed puppy mill in Iowa. Despite repeated USDA inspections documenting her deteriorating health, the agency failed to intervene, leading to her death in 2021.

This legislation seeks to prevent similar tragedies by strengthening the enforcement of the AWA.

Under Goldie’s Act, USDA 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, the 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.

Responsible breeders, consumers and animals will all benefit from Goldie’s Act, which will give families greater assurance about the well-being of a new furry family member and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used as intended. It is time for the USDA to finally fulfill its responsibility to enforce the law as intended.

The bipartisan Goldie’s Act was introduced in January. Rep. Joyce is a member of many caucuses in Congress, including the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, Congressional Horse Caucus and the Veterinary Medicine Caucus, so why is he so slow to get behind this worthy legislation?

Please call Rep. Joyce’s Warren office at 330-752-7673 and ask him to stand up for vulnerable animals by cosponsoring Goldie’s Act today.

REV. DAVID SICKLES

Mentor