Fitzpatrick introduces bipartisan bill to improve federal animal welfare protections

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Dec. 1 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would increase enforcement of violations against the Animal Welfare Act. 

Introduced in response to the recent closure of an Iowa puppy mill charged with nearly 200 violations of the law before being shut down by a court order, Goldie’s Act, H.R. 6100, is named in memory of one of the 500 dogs neglected and abused at the federally licensed facility, according to information provided by Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office.

H.R. 6100, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA), would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to document and report all observed violations of the Animal Welfare Act and consider penalties against all dog dealers who violate the law, the information says.

“As a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I have long championed legislation that promotes animal welfare,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud to join Rep. Axne in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will enforce protections under the Animal Welfare Act and hold animal abusers accountable, ensuring that they receive penalties equal to the animal cruelty violations they commit.”

If enacted, H.R. 6100 would require the USDA to conduct more frequent, improved inspections; confiscate suffering animals; impose penalties for violations; and share inspection information in a timely manner with local law enforcement, according to the information.

“I was appalled to see the images that came out of this Wayne County puppy mill, and even more disgusted to learn that these conditions were known to USDA for months — in clear violation of the laws we already have in place to protect our companion animals,” said Rep. Axne. “If one breeder can rack up nearly 200 violations of the Animal Welfare Act with impunity, then it’s clear there are loopholes in current law that need to be addressed.”

H.R. 6100 currently has four other cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and is supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society Legislative Fund, and the Humane Society of the United States.