Making Lasting Policy Changes for Animals: Federal Legislative Processes
This article discusses the process of making lasting policy changes for animals through the federal legislative processes. It covers key companion animal bills, disaster preparedness initiatives, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), and the roles of sponsors and co-sponsors in promoting animal wellness legislation.
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From Cruelty to Care Making lasting policy changes for animals through the federal legislative processes
Did You Know? Did You Know?
Agenda Companion Animal Bills Farm Animal Bill Equine Bills How Federal Laws Are Made What You Can Do Test
Companion Animals Bills Disaster Preparedness Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters PREPARED Act Planning for Animal Wellness PAW Act Puppy Mill Inspections Goldie s Act Dog Fighting Help Extract Animals from Red Tape HEART Act
AWA and USDA AWA and USDA Animal Welfare Act (AWA) US Congress Statute Minimum standard of care Covers commercial operations Warm-blooded species except birds, rats and mice United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Highly-trained veterinary inspectors Uses AWA regulations to assess a facility s level of care Authority to do unannounced inspections; issues warnings and penalties
Sponsor: Rep. Dina Titus (NV) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Rep. Joe Neguse Sponsor: NA Colorado Co-Sponsor: NA Disaster Preparedness Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters PREPARED Act H.R. 1442 Texas winter storms brought recognition Licensed facilities under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) bear a special responsibility Plan ahead for severe weather, fires, floods, etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbJTlPQGQe4 PREPARED Act requires USDA regulated businesses that profit from animals to: Create well-formed contingency plans for emergencies Establish clear chain of command and training
Sponsor: Rep. Dina Titus (NV) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Not yet! Sponsor: Sen. Gary Peters (MI) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Not yet! Disaster Preparedness Planning for Animal Wellness PAW Act H.R. 7789/S. 4205 Lack of emergency resources for companion animals leaves families to decide whether to evacuate or shelter-in-place during natural disasters PAWs Act Introduced in House 05/16/2022 and in Senate 05/12/2022 Government agencies, academia, non-profits will be required to establish best practices to address needs of household pets, service animals and captive animals Preparedness Response Recovery Efforts
Puppy Mill Commercial business Adult dogs in confinement Forces them to make many puppies; quick and cheap Puppy Mill Inspections Actual facilities are kept hidden from public view Issues Tiny crates: small stacked wire-floored crates or outdoor pens exposed to heat, cold and rain Animals eat, sleep and give birth in confinement Nonstop breeding even if sick, injured, exhausted or have poor genetic traits Filthy conditions that encourage spread of disease (parasites to parvo to pneumonia) Poor (if any) vet care No grooming: creates matting and nails so long it hurts to stand or walk No walks, playing, petting Stressful transport No retirement program for adult dogs; abandoned or killed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXebWP6G-yc
USDA Obligations Dog breeders must be USDA licensed if more than 4 breeding females USDA conducts inspections of federally licensed dog breeders based on AWA Standards are shockingly low dog only needs to be just healthy enough to reproduce Enforcement cases declined 90% from 2014 to 2020 (30 violations in 2020 out of 12,000 facilities) 2019 Impact Report: USDA claimed 99% of licensed facilities were in substantial compliance No penalties against commercial dog breeders in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 One complaint in 2021 led to discovery of Goldie
Sponsor: Rep. Cynthia Axne (IA) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Rep. Joe Neguse Sponsor: NA Colorado Co-Sponsor: NA 7/11: Envigo Breeding (VA) closed its doors; 4000 dogs rescued from cruelty. Had 60 violations in past year by USDA. DOJ had to step in. Remains licensed by USDA. Goldie s Act Goldie Iowa puppy mill licensed 2019; denied USDA access for inspection until April, 2021 Abhorrent conditions USDA found her in April, 2021 and twice after that Did not record a violation Allowed breeder to continue his business Complaint to DOJ in July, 2021: Found a Golden Retriever described as extremely emaciated with dead dogs, no water, pressure sores, zero body fat She was euthanized on site when a vet was called Case settled < two months; Since breeder surrendered 500 suffering dogs, it reduced the penalty of $500,000 to $0 Goldie s Act H.R. 6100 Update AWA to ensure USDA enforces laws for puppy mills More frequent and meaningful inspections Document all violations and impose penalties Confiscate suffering animals Share inspection information timely with local law enforcement
Dogfighting Tens of thousands of people involved in US Rebounded since 1990s due to Internet Up to $100,000 changes hands in a single fight Fighting dogs kept isolated on chains Additional thousands of dollars Stud fees Sale of pups from promising bloodlines or parents who won several fights Ears cropped and tails docked to disguise mood and provide less to grab A lost fight can lead to brutal actions to the dog Some enjoy this brutal spectacle Injuries, puncture wounds, lacerations, blood loss, crushed or broken bones from fights Losing dogs are left untreated or discarded; Can be executed as part of the entertainment Drugs to enhance muscles, mask pain, encourage aggression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJNVi0eCkMc
Dogfighting Laws As of 2008, felony in 50 states, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands Possession for purpose of fighting also a felony in most states Being a spectator is illegal in all states; additional penalties for under 16 Laws and penalties vary by state Very difficult for law enforcement to infiltrate due to secrecy Animals seized in a raid must be taken care of while the judicial process unfolds
Help Extract Animals from Red Tape HEART Act Animals are evidence Sponsor: Rep. Judy Chu (CA) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Rep. Joe Neguse Sponsor: NA Colorado Co-Sponsor: NA Can t be rehomed while legal actions are in process Must be cared for Waiting period leads to stress and behavior problems It is also expensive Can take months or years to settle a case and costs escalate August 2013 seizure of 400 dogs kept many dogs entangled in red tape for over a year Help Extract Animals from Red Tape (HEART Act H. R. 2085) HEART Act cuts red tape that leaves these victims in limbo Expedites disposition process for seized dogs Reduces from 60 to 30 days for government to notify interested parties after seizure Allows court to consider animals welfare if there are further delays Owners have financial responsibility for cost of care More animals will be saved if cost of care is covered
Sponsor: Rep. Ro Khanna (CA) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Rep. Joe Neguse Sponsor: Sen. Cory Booker (NJ) Colorado Co-Sponsor: None Factory Farms Bills Cages and overcrowding Bred for fast growth Forced into unnatural behaviors Injuries left untreated Indoors only with poor air quality Antibiotics for stress and unsanitary Abusive handling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gMt6xKAir4 Farm System Reform Act (FSRA H. R. 4421/S. 2332) Moratorium on the expansion of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) Phase out all CAFOs by 2040 Provide $10B annually to help farmers transition Hold factory farms accountable for the harms they cause
Equines Bills and Funding Horse slaughter ban Save America s Forgotten Equines SAFE Act Soring Prevent All Soring Tactics PAST Act Wild horse & burro protection Appropriations Bill
Help for Horses Sponsor: Rep. Janice Schakowsky (IL) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Rep. Joe Neguse Sponsor: Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Not yet! Safeguard American Food Exports SAFE (H.R. 3355/S. 2732) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVNBoaFM-v4 Need to eliminate possibility of domestic horse slaughter and end the export of horses for slaughter Majority of Americans oppose horse slaughter for consumption 2.3M adults have resources an desire to give these horses a second change Many drugs administered to equines and make their meat unfit for consumption
Sponsor: Rep. Steve Cohen (TN) Colorado Co-Sponsor: Rep. Joe Neguse Sponsor: Sen. Mike Crapo (ID)) Colorado Co-Sponsors: John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet Help for Horses Prevent All Soring Tactics PAST (H.R. 5441/S. 2295) Soring Practice of inflicting severe pain in horses legs and hooves Uses caustic chemicals Uses chain around ankle to exacerbate pain by striking irritated skin during movement Forces them into an unnatural high-stepping gait Horses fling their legs in a high-stepping gait to escape the burning and pain PAST Act will eliminate the industry s current self-policing practices Require horse show organizers to use only USDA licensed inspectors Prohibit the use of action devices (chains, boots, etc.) that intensify the pain of soring Increase penalties for violations
Horse and Burro Management Issues 88000 wild horses and burros freely roam throughout the country They are beautiful and iconic, but very vulnerable Face threats Loss of habitat Competition for resources Climate change limits food and water sources Horses and burros reproduce quickly, affecting rangeland ecosystems Bureau of Land Management (BLM) responsible for care and management Currently, BLM holding facilities are over capacity, and populations are removed Removal facilitates a higher growth rate; Decreased competition for forage Current attempts to curb population growth through roundups and removals have not worked and cost a lot
Wild Horse and Burro Management Need to ensure that federal funding prioritizes animal welfare supported through funding for the BLM (2023 Interior Appropriations Bill) Remove lethal management practices Conduct targeted gathering and removals Relocate removed wild horses and burros Contract with private parties to secure lower cost leasing of land Apply humane population growth fertility control Promote adoptions These measures will eventually eliminate the need for mass roundups and warehousing of wild animals BLM will be back on a financially sustainable and more humane management track
How Federal Laws Are Made Contact Congress throughout process Bill introduced by sponsor; add co- sponsors House Committees Senate Committees If Approved Work out differences Annually 20,000 Bills Only hundreds passed
How You Can Engage in this Process Many ways youcan make your voice heard with legislators o Email personal letter o Call your legislator or help out with phone banking o Use social media to reach out o Write a Letter to the Editor (LTE) o Meet virtually with your legislator Find your legislator: Visit aspca.org/lookup
Additional Actions Sign petitions: ASPCA often provides them and it is very easy to sign up Opt to adopt Report animal cruelty Spread the word on current legislation Advocate for animals by joining Advocacy Groups https://www.aspca.org/get- involved/advocacy-center Work with local animal shelters and organizations Donate to your favorite animal causes
Track Bills and Status ASPCA advocacy site Website: govtrack.us/congress/bills
Summary Companion Animal Bills Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and thank him for his steadfast support on nearly all of these Bills Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters H.R. 1442 HR: Neguse S: Not yet! PREPARED Act Action: Ask Senators to sponsor/co-sponsor Bill Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and ask him to co- sponsor Planning for Animal Welfare H.R. 7789/S. 4205 HR: Not yet! S: Not yet! PAW Act Action: Call, write, visit John Hickenlooper/Michael Bennet and ask them to co-sponsor Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and thank him for his steadfast support on nearly all of these Bills HR: Neguse S: Not yet! Goldie s Act H.R. 6100 Regulation of Puppy Mills Action: Ask Senators to sponsor/co-sponsor Bill
Summary Companion Animal Bills Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and thank him for his steadfast support on nearly all of these Bills Help Extract Animals from Red Tape H.R. 2085 HR: Neguse S: Not yet! HEART Act Action: Ask Senators to sponsor/co-sponsor Bill
Summary Factory Farms Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and thank him for his steadfast support on nearly all of these Bills Farm System Reform Act H.R. 4421/S. 2332 HR: Neguse S: Not yet! FRSA Act Action: Call, write, visit John Hickenlooper/Michael Bennet and ask them to co-sponsor
Summary Equine Bills Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and thank him for his steadfast support on nearly all of these Bills Safeguard American Food Exports H.R. 3355/S. 2732 HR: Neguse S: Not yet! SAFE Act Call, write, visit Hickenlooper/Bennet and thank them for their steadfast support Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and ask him to co- sponsor PAW Act HR: Not yet! S: Hickenlooper/ Bennet Prevent All Soring Tactics H.R. 5441/S. 2295 PAST Act Action: Call, write, visit John Hickenlooper/Michael Bennet and thank them for their support Stay tuned to developments on the 2023 Appropriations Bill and ask CO HR and Senate to support https://www.crfb.org/blogs/appropri ations-watch-fy-2023 2023 Appropriations Bill HR: Not yet! S: Not yet! Wild Horse & Burro Protection
Summary Category Name Acronym Bill Numbers Our Sponsors Companion Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters PREPARED Act HR 1442 HR: Neguse S: Request sponsorship Companion Planning for Animal Wellness Act PAW Act H.R. 7789/S. 4205 HR: Not yet! S: Not yet! Companion Regulation of Puppy Mills HR 6100 HR: Neguse S: Request sponsorship Goldie s Act Companion Help Extract Animals from Red Tape (Dog Fighting) HEART Act H. R. 2085 HR: Neguse S: Request sponsorship Factory Farms Farm System Reform Act FSRA H. R. 4421/S. 2332 HR: Neguse S: Not yet! Equines Safeguard American Food Exports SAFE H.R. 3355/S. 2732 HR: Neguse S: Not yet! Equines Prevent All Soring Tactics PAST H.R. 5441/S. 2295 HR: Neguse S: Hickenlooper/Bennet Equines Wild horse & burro protection Appropriations Bill Draft 6/15/2022 Encourage support Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and thank him for his steadfast support on nearly all of these Bills Action: Call, write, visit Joe Neguse and ask him to co-sponsor PAW Act Action: Call, write, visit John Hickenlooper/Michael Bennet and ask them to co-sponsor PAW, FSRA, SAFE and thank them for support on PAST Stay tuned to Senate Bills for PREPARED, Goldie s, HEART Stay tuned to developments on the 2023 Appropriations Bill and ask CO HR and Senate to support https://www.crfb.org/blogs/appropriations-watch-fy-2023
