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Minnesota: Dog and Cat Data Transparency Bill
In Minnesota, our goal is to change the law to require inspection records of commercial breeding facilities to be publicly available. Currently, consumers looking to buy a puppy have no way of knowing if a breeder is reputable because the Board of Animal Health keeps commercial breeding inspection records private. This proposed legislation will enable consumers to determine if they are buying from a breeder following the laws or supporting a business with numerous violations for treating dogs inhumanely.
The bill would make data on state-licensed breeders publicly available, identify breeders with revoked licenses, and provide consumers with information on the number of animals breeders have and the nature and frequency of any violations they’ve had.
This bill will be reintroduced at the start of the 2025 session.
Iowa: Inspection Loophole
Iowa law requires higher standards for dog breeders than the USDA. While not strict, requirements include tighter temperature requirements to ensure dogs don’t freeze or die from overheating, and a solid resting surface for dogs kept in wire-floor cages.
There’s currently a loophole in the law where, if a breeder has a USDA license, they are not required to receive an inspection from the state, or meet the stronger standards required by Iowa law. Our goal is to enact change that requires breeders in Iowa to meet the state’s legal standards for commercial breeding facilities.
Shelby, one of the sick dogs RAGOM rescued from Gingerich.
Dog #142, now known as Goldie.
National: Goldie’s Act
When RAGOM rescued 13 dogs from commercial breeder Daniel Gingerich, they were among the sickest dogs we’ve ever taken in. The dogs were fearful, emotionally shut down, and in poor health. We spent nearly $50,000 to rehabilitate them, but despite our efforts, one died from serious health issues.
Gingerich had at least 190 violations on his USDA inspection reports, which documented dogs in cages that were too small, dogs that were sick or injured, dogs with painful mats in their fur, and even deceased dogs on the property. They did not penalize him, shut down his facility, or seize the dogs.
One of Gingerich’s dogs, known as #142, was emaciated, and the USDA inspector noted that she was in immediate need of veterinary care. But she never received the medical care she needed, and when an inspector returned a few months later, Gingerich attempted to hide her. Investigators found her, and due to her severely emaciated condition, she had to be euthanized.
The USDA never removed any of the animals who were suffering while owned by Gingerich, despite the repeated violations. But eventually, the Department of Justice got involved. RAGOM assisted their efforts. They ordered the removal of Gingerich’s 500 remaining dogs, and he pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty.
After her death, Dog #142 was given a name –Goldie – and some dignity. Her suffering inspired a call for change.
Recognizing the need for change, Goldie’s Act was introduced. It would amend the Animal Welfare Act to require the USDA to conduct yearly inspections of licensees at a minimum, with access to all facilities at all reasonable times, and require detailed descriptions of any observed violations. It would also require the USDA to confiscate animals that are clearly suffering from physical or psychological harm, charge significant monetary penalties for violations, and circulate inspection information with state, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement within 24 hours of an inspection.
Goldie’s Act (H.R. 1788) is currently sponsored by Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11) and cosponsored by 114 legislators.