Gallagher Introduces Dunkin’s Law Following Tragic Loss of Family Dog, Horrific Discovery at Northern California Animal Rescue
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) introduced Dunkin’s Law, legislation to strengthen federal protections for companion animals and hold negligent pet-care facilities accountable. The legislation comes amid growing concerns about animal welfare, including the heartbreaking loss of a family dog named Dunkin and the disturbing discovery of 117 dead dogs at a Northern California animal rescue.
The legislation is named in honor of Dunkin, the beloved dog of Madeleine “Maddie” White and Andrew Fedyk, who lost their dog after leaving him in the care of a boarding facility. Their experience, which drew national attention, helped inspire Gallagher's effort to provide families with meaningful legal recourse when animals are harmed or killed by those entrusted with their care.
“For most of us, pets are family,” said Congressman Gallagher. “When someone trusts a boarding facility or another business to care for their pet, they should be able to expect that animal will be safe. What happened to Dunkin is heartbreaking, and no family should have to go through that kind of loss without a meaningful path to justice. This bill is about holding people accountable when that trust is broken.”
“Dunkin was so much more than a pet to us. He was family, and losing him has been absolutely devastating,” said Maddie and Andrew. “When we trusted someone else to care for him, we never imagined we would have to face this kind of heartbreak. Nothing will ever bring Dunkin back, but knowing that his story could help protect other animals and spare another family from experiencing this pain means everything to us. We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Gallagher for listening to our story and taking action to make sure families have a voice when something like this happens.”
The legislation also addresses concerns raised by a separate animal welfare investigation in Northern California.
In June, investigators with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office uncovered mass burial sites at Miranda's Rescue Animal Sanctuary in Fortuna, California. Authorities recovered 117 intact canine remains, along with additional skeletal remains. Preliminary examinations of 70 dogs revealed evidence of gunshot wounds in many of the animals. The disturbing discovery was detailed in a FOX40 report.
The discovery came during an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty and fraud at the facility, which had advertised itself as a no-kill rescue. Investigators also raised questions about the whereabouts of hundreds of dogs transferred to the organization. At the time of the initial reporting, no criminal charges had been filed in connection with the investigation.
“What investigators uncovered in Humboldt County is absolutely sickening,” Gallagher continued. “People entrusted these animals to a rescue believing they would be protected, only for authorities to discover more than a hundred dead dogs buried on the property. We need to get to the bottom of what happened, and anyone found responsible for breaking the law must be held accountable. Animals deserve better, and so do the families who love them.”
Under current law, companion animals are often treated primarily as property, limiting the legal remedies available to owners when their pets are injured or killed through negligence or misconduct. Dunkin’s Law would amend the Animal Welfare Act to recognize certain companion animals, including dogs and cats, as sentient beings and establish a federal civil cause of action for owners whose animals suffer harm, neglect, or death while in the care of a covered commercial facility.
The legislation would apply to paid pet-care businesses, including boarding kennels and daycare operations, as well as grooming and training facilities.
Importantly, Dunkin’s Law would also establish a path to civil accountability for animal rescues and shelters convicted of unlawfully euthanizing companion animals in violation of applicable state or local law.
“Whether it's a family losing a beloved pet at a boarding facility or the horrifying allegations coming out of Humboldt County, the message is the same: caring for animals comes with a responsibility,” Gallagher said. “A family shouldn't be told their dog was nothing more than damaged property when negligence leads to tragedy. We need laws that recognize the seriousness of that loss and give families a real opportunity to hold those responsible accountable.”
The legislation would establish prospective federal protections and would not determine liability in the Miranda's Rescue investigation.
Read the full text of Dunkin’s Law HERE.
Check out Rep. Gallagher and Dunkin’s Family’s collaboration HERE.
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Rep. James Gallagher | 408 Cannon House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US
Congressman James Gallagher proudly represents California's First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.