H.R.349 - Goldie’s Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 349, also known as Goldie's Act, aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act to enhance enforcement against violations. The bill seeks to increase the USDA's authority in inspecting and investigating animal welfare violations, mandating more frequent inspections and requiring detailed documentation of violations. It also includes provisions for confiscating animals suffering from harm and mandates cooperation with local law enforcement.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of Goldie's Act is a stricter regulatory environment for animal dealers, exhibitors, research facilities, and carriers. This will lead to increased scrutiny and potentially higher penalties for non-compliance. The bill also aims to improve the welfare of animals by ensuring prompt intervention in cases of abuse or neglect.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced animal welfare through more frequent and thorough inspections.
- Increased accountability for animal welfare violations with higher penalties.
- Improved transparency and cooperation between federal and local authorities.
- Potential for quicker intervention to prevent animal suffering.
- Establishes clear guidelines for inspectors to confiscate animals in distress.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased regulatory burden on businesses dealing with animals, potentially raising operational costs.
- Potential for subjective interpretation of 'violations,' leading to disputes.
- Possible strain on USDA resources to conduct more frequent inspections and investigations.
- Risk of overreach in confiscating animals, impacting research and business operations.
- Could lead to increased litigation from affected parties challenging USDA actions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the well-being of animals. While the Constitution does not explicitly address animal welfare, Congress has the power to regulate activities that affect commerce and general welfare. The increased enforcement and penalties are subject to due process requirements, ensuring fair notice and opportunity to be heard, aligning with the Fifth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).