Letter: 'Goldies's Act' needed to protect puppies from abuse

Dogs are suffering in federally licensed puppy mills and we need Goldie's Act (H.R. 6100) now.

This bill is an important piece of federal legislation aimed at ensuring that the U.S. Department of Agriculture fulfills its mandate to protect dogs in USDA-licensed puppy mills.

The USDA is required to inspect commercial breeders to ensure compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, a law that gives it authority to enforce minimum standards of care for these animals.

Yet the agency fails to act, allowing horrific cruelty to unfold in large-scale operations.

Last year, an Iowa breeder surrendered more than 500 dogs and puppies after racking up more than 190 Animal Welfare Act violations documented by inspectors. Dogs were suffering and dying at this puppy mill while the USDA did nothing.

To date, the agency has still levied no penalty for this treatment of vulnerable dogs and puppies.

Goldie's Act would ensure the USDA does its job to prevent the suffering and death of dogs trapped in the commercial breeding industry. Congress must pass Goldie's Act to ensure that the USDA honors its responsibility to these vulnerable animals.

I thank U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush for co-sponsoring Goldie's Act and urge readers to contact their own lawmakers to support this vital bill.

Jenny Pruim

Chicago