Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill, known as Goldie's Act, aims to significantly strengthen the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by amending its provisions. It broadens the definition of a "violation" to include any deficiency, deviation, or failure to comply with the Act, its regulations, or standards. The legislation mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture conduct annual inspections of research facilities, dealers, and exhibitors, including all associated properties and animals. Crucially, it requires follow-up inspections until all identified violations are fully corrected. A key provision introduces the **confiscation or humane destruction** of animals found suffering physical or psychological harm as a result of non-compliance. Once an inspector notifies a holder of intent to confiscate such an animal, the holder is prohibited from destroying that animal or any other animal without prior written consent. Furthermore, the bill enhances inter-agency cooperation by requiring the Secretary to share records of identified violations with State, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement officials within 24 hours. The Act also significantly increases penalties for violations, establishing a civil penalty of up to **$10,000 for each violation**, with each day a violation continues counting as a separate offense, and mandates cease and desist orders. Penalties are to be calculated on a **per animal and per violation basis** and cannot be reduced by 10 percent or more, with guidelines to be established to discourage future non-compliance. Hearings for alleged violations must be conducted by a panel including a veterinarian and two animal care specialists within 21 days.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Animals
Goldie’s Act
USA119th CongressHR-349| House
| Updated: 2/14/2025
This bill, known as Goldie's Act, aims to significantly strengthen the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by amending its provisions. It broadens the definition of a "violation" to include any deficiency, deviation, or failure to comply with the Act, its regulations, or standards. The legislation mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture conduct annual inspections of research facilities, dealers, and exhibitors, including all associated properties and animals. Crucially, it requires follow-up inspections until all identified violations are fully corrected. A key provision introduces the **confiscation or humane destruction** of animals found suffering physical or psychological harm as a result of non-compliance. Once an inspector notifies a holder of intent to confiscate such an animal, the holder is prohibited from destroying that animal or any other animal without prior written consent. Furthermore, the bill enhances inter-agency cooperation by requiring the Secretary to share records of identified violations with State, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement officials within 24 hours. The Act also significantly increases penalties for violations, establishing a civil penalty of up to **$10,000 for each violation**, with each day a violation continues counting as a separate offense, and mandates cease and desist orders. Penalties are to be calculated on a **per animal and per violation basis** and cannot be reduced by 10 percent or more, with guidelines to be established to discourage future non-compliance. Hearings for alleged violations must be conducted by a panel including a veterinarian and two animal care specialists within 21 days.