M, a kitten bred by one of the largest research breeders in the U.S., lost half his tail in an unknown incident and required medical attention. Instead, he was put in an enclosure with nearly a dozen other kittens, leading to his tail being “chewed…to bone,” according to an animal technician responsible for his care. The decision was then made to end his life.
Not only was putting M — with an open wound — in an enclosure with other kittens irresponsible, the Acting Deputy Administrator for USDA-APHIS alleged it was a violation of the Animal Welfare Act.
The penalty? A strongly-worded warning letter.
Now, new pending federal legislation could finally bring real accountability to facilities that put profit over animal welfare.
If passed, the Better CARE for Animals Act (H.R. 3112/S. 1538) and Goldie’s Act (H.R. 349) will expand enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. The Better CARE for Animals Act bolsters the ability of the Attorney General to bring civil causes of action against violators, and Goldie’s Act requires the USDA to share documentation of violations with local law enforcement, who can then pursue criminal charges for animal cruelty.
Please sign the petitions for the Better CARE for Animals Act and Goldie’s Act, to tell federal legislators it’s long past time to hold Animal Welfare Act violators responsible for the suffering and death they cause.