Improving Animal Welfare Act Enforcement

In June, Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) and Nancy Mace (R-SC) reintroduced the Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act (AWEIA; HR 3859) in response to the egregious failures by the US Department of Agriculture to properly enforce the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) with respect to licensing of animal dealers and exhibitors. The AWEIA would require annual license renewal, prevent license holders who repeatedly violate the law from renewing their licenses without additional oversight, and ensure that licenses are revoked when repeat violations affect animal well-being. That same month, the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus held a briefing on the AWA, focusing on the AWEIA, as well as Goldie’s Act (HR 1788), which addresses inspections and confiscations, and the Puppy Protection Act (HR 1624), which would require dog breeders to meet improved standards of care. 

Program Terms: Companion Animals

AWI Quarterly Terms: Government/Legal, Quick Read