Protect Dogs in Puppy Mills: Pass Goldie’s Act

Across the United States, thousands of dogs are still suffering in federally licensed commercial breeding facilities, commonly known as puppy mills. Despite being regulated under the Animal Welfare Act, many of these facilities continue to operate with repeated violations, inadequate oversight, and little accountability.

Goldie’s Act (H.R. 349) is a critical piece of federal legislation designed to change that.

Why Goldie’s Act Matters

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for licensing and inspecting commercial breeding facilities. In theory, this system should protect animals from neglect and abuse. In practice, enforcement has often fallen short.

Reports over the years have documented:

• Repeated violations with little to no consequences

• Delayed or insufficient inspections

• Animals left in unsafe, unsanitary, or inhumane conditions

Goldie’s Act directly addresses these failures by strengthening oversight and accountability at the federal level.

What Goldie’s Act Would Do

If passed, Goldie’s Act would require the USDA to:

• Conduct more thorough and consistent inspectionsof licensed facilities

• Intervene when animals are suffering, rather than allowing violations to persist

• Enforce meaningful penalties for those who violate animal welfare standards

• Improve communication with local law enforcementwhen cruelty or neglect is suspected

These changes are not radical, they are necessary. They ensure that existing laws are actually enforced in a way that protects animals.

Goldie’s Story

Goldie’s Act is named after a dog who suffered in a federally licensed breeding facility, one that should have been safe under USDA oversight.

Her story is not unique.

Goldie represents the countless dogs who live in conditions where their basic needs — clean water, medical care, space to move, and human compassion — are not met. Her story is a reminder that federal licensing does not always equal humane treatment.

Why This Matters for Ohio (and Every State)

While Goldie’s Act is federal legislation, its impact would be felt nationwide, including in Ohio.

Stronger USDA enforcement would:

• Support state and local efforts to combat puppy mill cruelty

• Help prevent irresponsible breeders from continuing operations across state lines

• Reduce the number of animals entering already overwhelmed shelters and rescues

For organizations and advocates working on the ground, this legislation is a much-needed reinforcement, not a replacement, for state-level protections.

What You Can Do

1. Goldie’s Act has bipartisan support, but it needs continued momentum to pass. You can help:

• Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support Goldie’s Act (H.R. 349)

• Share information about the bill with your network

• Continue advocating for stronger protections for animals at both the state and federal level

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