Bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Legislation to Prevent Animal Abuse

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of H.R.1788 Goldie’s Act, which aims to protect animals from abusive and life-threatening living conditions.  

The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) along with Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and has more than 80 cosponsors, including 28 Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus.

In recent years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has continued to renew the licenses of commercial dog breeders despite documented instances of animal cruelty, violating USDA standards. Goldie’s Act would require more frequent, intentional inspections of commercial breeders, and would ensure the USDA acts upon animal cruelty by issuing penalties for violations. The legislation would also require more transparent communication between the USDA and local law enforcement to address animal cruelty.

“Protecting animal welfare has been a personal passion of mine since my time in the New York State Assembly,” Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation which protects those without a voice by requiring the USDA to publicly report all animal welfare violations, remove animals from abusive environments, and take action to hold animal abusers accountable.”

“This commonsense, bipartisan legislation will go a long way toward making sure that animals are cared for humanely and abusers are held accountable,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m glad that the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the bipartisan Goldie’s Act.”

“As co-chair of both the Problem Solvers Caucus and the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I have long supported legislation protecting and promoting animals’ well-being,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “I am proud that our Caucus is endorsing this bipartisan legislation to ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) protects animals, holds abusers accountable, and enforces penalties for violations of the law.”

“We’re grateful to the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus for endorsing Goldie’s Act – named after a dog who endured months of agony and pain under the USDA’s watch and suffered a preventable death in an Iowa puppy mill – to ensure dogs in federally regulated facilities are provided humane care,” said Brynáe Riggins, senior manager of federal legislation for the ASPCA. “For decades, the USDA has continuously failed to protect dogs like Goldie, and by including Goldie’s Act in the Farm Bill, Congress can prevent thousands of other vulnerable dogs from meeting the same tragic and unacceptable fate at the hands of the federal agency obligated to protect them.”

“I’m pleased the Problem Solver’s Caucus has endorsed the Goldie’s Act, which would increase oversight and inspections in federally licensed facilities. This will ensure that animals are protected, violations are found and documented, and that puppy mills follow the law,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28).

“Protecting defenseless dogs in federally licensed puppy mills is a duty the Department of Agriculture must take seriously, and it is incumbent on Congress to ensure this department utilizes its enforcement powers in a meaningful way,” said Congressman Anthony D'Esposito (NY-04). “We have recently seen instances where the Department of Agriculture failed to take serious action against licensed dog dealers operating in violation of the Animal Welfare Act, which underscores the importance of passing Goldie's Act. This bipartisan legislation I am co-sponsoring will ensure the Department of Agriculture does its job to protect puppies by mandating more frequent inspections and more meaningful responses to violations of federal law.”

“Animals in puppy mills are subjected to horrible conditions and often develop poor health as a result,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “Goldie’s Act would ensure that the USDA does its job and protects dogs and their potential owners through regular inspections and tougher penalties for dog dealers who fail to comply with the law. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation and I thank Congresswoman Malliotakis for her leadership on this issue.”

“I’m proud to be a cosponsor of the bipartisan Goldie’s Act. This bill will help ensure the animals we love are treated humanely and are properly removed from abusive situations,” said Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01). “The USDA must improve its inspection efforts and ensure animal cruelty does not go unpunished. As an animal lover, I will always work to make sure our friends are safe, healthy, and happy.”

“The USDA’s failure to take any meaningful action against animal welfare violations is unacceptable and must be addressed,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “As a dog owner, I’m horrified by the stories of the horrific treatment of animals at commercial breeding facilities across our country. Goldie’s Act will ensure that the USDA does its job, give teeth to the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act, and free scores of four-legged friends from a nightmare of cruelty and abuse. I was pleased to cosponsor this legislation, am glad that it has the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure it becomes law.”

“I’m proud to support this bill which will help crack down on animal mistreatment in federally-licensed facilities. Alaskans know the importance of treating animals with respect, and this bill makes important changes and requires meaningful inspections to ensure the Animal Welfare Act is fully enforced and irresponsible dealers are stopped,” said Congresswoman Mary Peltola (AK-AL).

“We Michiganders are deeply committed to protecting our animals – something I know firsthand as the owner of two dogs,” said Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-07). “This bipartisan legislation would enshrine additional protections for animals into law, including more frequent inspections and requirements that offenses be swiftly forwarded to law enforcement. I’m pleased to see this important bill endorsed by the Problem Solvers Caucus and encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to lend it their support.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-four Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.

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