Meeting with Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY)
Without intentional oversight and structural reform, we fear the Animal Care Department will continue to operate with little accountability, putting the future of responsible animal ownership and enterprise at serious risk. Congresswoman Hageman expressed strong concern and a commitment to act. We are actively working with her office to press for meaningful changes, oversight, and accountability. I will report to you about our progress in the weeks ahead. This trip was both educational and impactful. As the PAST Act, the Puppy Protection Act, and Goldie’s Act continue to gain traction, our fight is far from over. Accordingly, I will be returning to Washington, D.C. soon to maintain our momentum and ensure your voices are heard and work to prevent these bills from passing. Thank you for standing with The Cavalry Group as we defend your rights and your businesses. Your continued membership makes our work in our nation’s Capitol possible. With gratitude, Mindy Patterson President, The Cavalry Group
The Puppy Protection Act (H.R.2253) – Now with 95 co-sponsors, this bill would impose sweeping, one-size-fits- all mandates on dog breeders designed to put them out of business. Goldie’s Act (H.R.349) – With 54 co-sponsors, this measure would give USDA broad new enforcement powers without addressing the agency’s existing abuse of authority. Goldie’s Act shifts USDA’s role to aggressive enforcement rooted in animal rights ideology. It threatens due process and empowers activist- driven complaints to trigger federal action. Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act (H.R.1477) - Proposes the creation of a new enforcement unit within the U.S. Department of Justice to prosecute animal cruelty as a federal crime. This bill would expand federal jurisdiction into what has historically been state and local law enforcement territory, setting a dangerous precedent that could impact farmers, hunters, animal breeders, and property owners. Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act (H.R.2742) - Marketed as a bill to combat animal fighting, this legislation significantly expands surveillance and seizure authority, including civil asset forfeiture— raising major Fourth and Fifth Amendment concerns. Its overly broad language could entrap innocent rural citizens and hunters under suspicion-based enforcement under the umbrella of “animal fighting” which is already illegal.
One of my most productive meetings of the week was with Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (R-WY) and her Chief of Staff. I presented detailed evidence of misconduct within the USDA’s Animal Care Division under APHIS, highlighting: Documented cases of overreach and retaliatory inspections. Inconsistent enforcement harming law-abiding animal businesses required to be licensed by USDA. Prior communications to USDA leadership and Inspector General Phyllis Fong—none of which received a response under the Obama or Biden administrations. Documented concerns about animal activist-driven Rule promulgation under the Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act at APHIS. I also conveyed The Cavalry Group’s ongoing concerns about embedded animal rights ideologues as bureaucrats within APHIS and the Animal Care Division who remain unaccountable. Their unchecked power continues to jeopardize our members and the integrity of federal law. I further explained that over the past 15 years, many of our members—law-abiding animal professionals, many of whom are USDA licensed—have experienced harassment, intimidation, and inconsistent enforcement practices from this division. Some have been regulated out of business entirely, losing not only their livelihoods but also decades of work dedicated to responsible breeding and the preservation of genetic diversity.
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 5
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