Congress urged to pass Goldie's Act to strengthen dog protection under Animal Welfare Act

ASPCA senior vice president Nancy Perry has urged Congress to enact Goldie’s Act, a proposed bill that would strengthen enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and protect dogs from systemic abuse. Perry highlighted the USDA’s repeated failure to enforce existing regulations, arguing that without new legal tools the agency cannot adequately safeguard animals that are routinely mistreated in shelters, breeding operations, and other facilities.

Goldie’s Act would require the USDA to conduct more frequent inspections, impose stricter penalties for violations, and expand its authority to shut down non‑compliant facilities. The ASPCA cites rising reports of dog abuse and neglect nationwide, noting that current enforcement mechanisms are too weak to deter widespread violations. Perry emphasized that the bill would provide the USDA with the resources and statutory backing needed to hold operators accountable and to ensure that the Animal Welfare Act serves its intended purpose.

In a statement to lawmakers, Perry called on Congress to act swiftly, stressing that the continued neglect of dogs under federal oversight demands immediate legislative intervention. She concluded that Goldie’s Act is a necessary step to close gaps in enforcement and to protect the welfare of dogs across the country.