Support Goldie’s Act to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills

Named in Remembrance of Golden Retriever #142 known now as Goldie

Goldie’s Act is critical legislation that would ensure the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is doing its job to protect dogs in federally licensed, commercial puppy-breeding facilities, also known as puppy mills.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides licenses to commercial dog breeders known as "Puppy Mills" and is is supposed to protect the animals kept in these facilities, but far too often, the USDA has ignored the suffering of animals. To ensure that this is corrected, Congress must pass Goldie’s Act.

Specifically, this legislation would require the USDA to:

  • Conduct more frequent and meaningful inspections
  • Confiscate animals that are suffering
  • Impose deterring monetary penalties for violations, and
  • Share inspection information in a timely manner with local law enforcement.

Goldie’s Act is the lifeline that dogs in puppy mills need!

Goldie's Story

Goldie was one of hundreds of dogs kept in horrific conditions by Daniel Gingerich. USDA inspectors documented Goldie’s deterioration month after month, even filming her skeletal condition. They had the authority to help her, but USDA policies failed. Shockingly, her story is not unique.

Goldie was found in a barn, along with dead dogs. She had no water, her bones were protruding, she had sores on her body and zero body fat. According to state inspection reports, a veterinarian was called, and USDA inspectors allowed her to be euthanized on site.

H.R.1788 / S.4033 - Goldie’s Act
Full text of the bill is available HERE (PDF)
Sponsors: Representatives Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY], Quigley, Mike [D-IL], Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA], Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL], Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ], Nunn, Zachary [R-IA]; Senators Richard Blumenthal [D-CT] and Rick Scott [R-FL]
Total of 112 Members of Congress as of July 8, 2024. View the list here (link to Congress.gov)

This bipartisan legislation has also garnered support from nearly 150 animal welfare, law enforcement, and shelter organizations, along with : American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Iowa, Animal Rescue Corps, Bailing Out Benji, Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF), Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the National Sheriff’s Association (to name a few). and received attention during Secretary Tom Vilsack’s recent appearance before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, when Congressman Nunn raised the urgent need to pass Goldie's Act.

What You Can Do

Don’t delay: Use the form on the ASPCA'S website to email your Legislators to urge them to support Goldie’s Act - It's quick and easy.

Goldie's Act Illustration of a dog's head reaching over bars

On behalf of dogs in puppy mills, Thank you!

Take Me To The Form
Your member of Congress can join as a cosponsor to help dogs. Take action today: aspca.org/GoldiesAct

It’s too late to save Goldie, but we can prevent other dogs from meeting her fate

Please Support Goldie's Act H.R.1788 / S.4033 (links to house.gov)

Goldie's Act Illustration of a dog's head reaching over bars
Goldie's Act Illustration courtesy of the ASPCA's Support Goldie’s Act to Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills

Connect with us

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