H.R. 349: Goldie’s Act

Goldie’s Act is a direct attempt to toughen how the U.S. Department of Agriculture enforces federal animal welfare law. Right now, critics say inspectors can document serious problems without triggering quick enough consequences. This bill tries to close that gap by spelling out that any failure to follow the law counts as a violation and by requiring USDA to document violations in detail.

The bill would also require USDA to inspect every covered dealer, exhibitor, and research facility at least once a year, then keep coming back when violations are found until the problems are fixed. That is a meaningful shift because it would move inspections from being more discretionary to more mandatory. It also expands what inspectors can look at, including properties, vehicles, equipment, animals, and records tied to regulated activity.

One of the strongest provisions would require USDA to create rules for promptly confiscating animals found to be suffering physically or psychologically because of violations. In some cases, animals could also be humanely destroyed if appropriate under the rules. The bill further says facilities warned of a planned confiscation cannot destroy that animal first, and cannot destroy any other animal they own or possess without written USDA approval until the confiscation is completed.

The enforcement side is also much tougher. Civil penalties could reach $10,000 for each violation, with each day counting separately, and penalties would be calculated per animal and per violation. The bill would require quick hearings, involve veterinary and animal care expertise in those hearings, and send violation records to local and state animal control or law enforcement within 24 hours. Supporters will see this as overdue accountability; regulated businesses and research institutions may see it as a major compliance and legal burden with sharper penalties and less room for informal resolution.