PETITION TARGET: House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune
At one roadside zoo in Virginia, federal inspectors found a freezer full of dead guinea pigs with broken ribs and pelvises. The zoo’s owner admitted they had been slammed against a hard surface as a method of “euthanasia.”
In other inspections, authorities documented dozens of violations, including camels suffering from improperly treated abscesses, giraffes languishing with cracked and overgrown hooves, and monkeys repeatedly showing signs of psychological distress.
Yet, despite dozens of citations for animal care violations going back decades, the USDA continued to renew the facility’s license until 2024.
Although the facility is temporarily closed while the owners face state-level criminal charges, they, and other people who sell or display animals to the public, can still qualify for federal licenses even after violating animal protection laws.
Now, Congress can help change that by passing the Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act, which would stop the USDA from licensing dealers and exhibitors found to have broken federal, state, or local animal protection laws.
If enacted, the legislation would also prevent people from using family members or another business to get around a suspended or revoked license.
In addition, licensed facilities would have to meet stronger animal welfare standards, including annual veterinary visits and preventative care. To remain licensed, existing operators would need to pass a full, unannounced inspection each year.
Sign this petition to urge Congress to pass the Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act and stop people who break animal protection laws from receiving federal licenses.
