Advocacy & Legislative Efforts

Why Legislative Advocacy Matters

As a rescue organization, we see firsthand the impact that irresponsible breeding, inadequate oversight, and weak animal welfare protections can have on dogs. Our legislative work is informed by the experiences of the dogs we rescue and the volunteers who care for them every day.

Rescue addresses the effects. Legislative advocacy helps address the causes.

By working with legislators, animal welfare organizations, and community partners, RAGOM supports policies that improve the lives of dogs, strengthen consumer protections, and help prevent the circumstances that too often lead dogs to rescue.

Giving Families the Information They Need

Minnesota: Dog & Cat Data Transparency Bill

Families deserve access to accurate information when choosing a breeder. Today, inspection records for licensed commercial breeders aren’t available to the public, making it difficult to evaluate a breeder’s history and compliance with animal welfare standards.

This legislation would make breeder inspection and licensing information publicly available, helping prospective puppy owners make informed decisions while encouraging greater accountability among commercial breeding facilities.

What RAGOM Supports

• Making inspection records for licensed commercial breeders publicly available.
• Giving families the information they need to make informed decisions.
• Holding commercial breeding facilities accountable for animal welfare standards.

 

Bringing More Expertise to Animal Welfare

Minnesota: Companion Animal Board Bill

Dogs and cats have unique welfare needs that deserve dedicated attention. This legislation would establish a Companion Animal Board to provide expert guidance and recommendations on issues affecting companion animals across Minnesota.

A dedicated board would bring together veterinarians, animal welfare professionals, rescue organizations, breeders, and other stakeholders to help shape policies that improve the lives of companion animals.

What RAGOM Supports

• Dedicated oversight focused on companion animals.
• Collaboration among animal welfare experts and stakeholders.
• Science-based policies that improve the lives of dogs and cats.

Strengthening Oversight for Commercial Breeders

Iowa: Inspection Loophole

Iowa law requires higher standards for dog breeders to help protect dogs from freezing or overheating and to provide them with a solid resting surface. However, a loophole in the law allows some breeders to avoid state inspection and the stronger standards that come with it.

RAGOM supports efforts to close this loophole and ensure that commercial breeding facilities are held to consistent standards of care.

What RAGOM Supports

• Consistent inspections of commercial breeding facilities.
• Stronger enforcement of existing animal welfare laws.
• Accountability for breeders who fail to meet required standards.

Strengthening Federal Animal Welfare Enforcement

National: Goldie’s Act

Goldie’s Act is federal legislation that would strengthen protections for dogs in commercial breeding facilities by requiring annual inspections, reporting violations, and intervention when animals are found suffering. The legislation would help improve enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and hold facilities accountable for meeting required standards of care.

What RAGOM Supports

• Stronger enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.
• Timely action when serious violations are identified.
• Better protection for animals in federally regulated facilities.

How You Can Help

Creating meaningful change takes all of us.

You can support RAGOM’s legislative advocacy by:

• Staying informed about animal welfare issues.
• Contacting your elected officials when advocacy alerts are issued.
• Sharing educational resources with friends and family.
• Supporting RAGOM’s rescue and advocacy efforts through volunteering or donations.
• Join our email list to receive action alerts.

Together, we can create a future where fewer dogs need rescue in the first place.