from “psychological harm,” a term that is undefined in the legislation and is left open to the opinion and sole discretion of an inspector. Removes distinctions between minor non-compliance violations such as paperwork errors vs actual animal care violations. AWA enforcement emphasis should be on the health and welfare of animals, NOT paperwork. photographs of violations on a publicly accessible database so responsible breeders can be harassed and undermined on the internet and social media. Requires the posting of Authorizes citizen suits to enforce the Animal Welfare Act allowing immediate standing in a court of law. Would require USDA to publish all unadjudicated inspection reports. Goldie’s Act will do nothing to stop animal cruelty. More laws will not stop those in violation
discussions that took place with key Representatives and Senators of the Agriculture Committees were productive in encouraging them recognize the critical issues at hand. While significant strides have been made, the work is far from over. I will continue to advocate against harmful legislation and in favor of fair treatment of lawful breeders as we all work together to navigate the challenges in the remaining months of the 118th Congress. The Cavalry Group will forge ahead to protect and promote the interests of our members, while working to ensure that Americans who raise, breed, and work with animals are able to continue doing what they love. Mindy Patterson is the president and co-founder of The Cavalry Group, a member-based company working to protect and defend the Constitutional and private property rights of law-abiding animal owners, animal enterprise, farmers and ranchers, legislatively and legally nationwide. www.thecavalrygroup.com
the significant risks posed by USDA’s inspection process which is now forcing breeders to discontinue their breeding operations – achieving the goal of the animal rights agenda. Here, too, the consensus was clear for the need of oversight action to curb these abuses by USDA inspectors. The Cavalry Group’s Opposition to Goldie’s Act On the Senate side, my primary focus was on Goldie’s Act and its potential amendment to the Senate Farm Bill. This act, which was added as an amendment during the House Agriculture Committee’s mark-up of the Farm Bill at the end of May, poses several threats to USDA licensed dog breeders. My goal was to ensure that the Senate Agriculture Committee rejects this amendment during their upcoming mark-up of the Farm Bill. Key Issues with Goldie’s Act Allows for immediate seizure or euthanasia of animals suffering
of current laws! Goldie’s Act is misleading legislation that will simply force law abiding, responsible breeders out of business. Members of the Senate Agriculture
Committee that I have met with so far appreciated learning about the key points in this deceptive legislation and expressed that they will not support it as an amendment to the Senate version of the Farm Bill. Conclusion Representing Cavalry Group members’ interests on Capitol Hill is an honor. The
Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 39
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog