Plain Language Summary
# Goldie's Act Summary **What the Bill Does** Goldie's Act would strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to keep detailed records of any violations found during animal welfare inspections and share these records with local law enforcement within 24 hours. The bill also mandates annual inspections at research facilities, animal dealer premises, and animal exhibitions.
If violations are discovered, inspectors must conduct follow-up inspections until problems are fixed, and they would have authority to remove animals suffering from neglect or abuse. **Who It Affects** This legislation primarily impacts research facilities, animal breeders and dealers, traveling animal exhibits, and local animal control agencies. It also indirectly affects animals covered under the Animal Welfare Act, which includes many (though not all) domesticated animals and animals in research or exhibition settings. **Current Status** Goldie's Act (HR 349) is currently in committee in the 119th Congress, sponsored by Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY). This means it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives and is still in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Goldie's ActThis 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.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.