Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have reintroduced the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act, a bipartisan effort to protect animals from abuse by strengthening law enforcement’s ability to hold violators accountable.
“Far too often, researchers, breeders and dealers who mistreat animals get away with their crimes. I’m proud to help introduce the Better CARE for Animals Act to make sure law enforcement has the authority to rescue innocent creatures from dangerous environments and punish people who have a hand in the mishandling of animals,” said Kennedy.
Blumenthal echoed his support, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement measures. “Our bipartisan, bicameral measure protects animals from mistreatment and neglect by holding bad actors accountable for their abuse. Civil penalties and suspensions of abusers’ licenses will go a long way in strengthening Animal Welfare Act enforcement and keeping vulnerable animals out of harm’s way,” he said.
The proposed legislation would strengthen the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) ability to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, granting it the same authority currently held by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), including seeking license suspensions, revocations, and civil penalties. It would also grant the DOJ forfeiture authority to seize and remove animals subjected to harmful treatment.
A companion bill has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.), Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.), and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.).
“I’m proud to support the bipartisan and bicameral Better CARE for Animals Act which will hold abusers accountable for their mistreatment of innocent animals. Millions of animals have already suffered, and we must ensure the U.S. Department of Justice has the tools it needs to crack down on those responsible—to protect the welfare of animals and prevent future abuse,” said Malliotakis.
Quigley highlighted the increased role the DOJ would play under the new law. “The Better CARE for Animals Act provides the Justice Department with the necessary authority to combat animal abuse, making them an equal partner to the USDA. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in improving enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act,” he said.
“The Better CARE for Animals Act provides for important animal protections, encourages stronger collaboration between departments, and empowers our law enforcement to combat abusers,” said Reschenthaler. “As a member of the Animal Protection Caucus, I’m proud to support this legislation and advocate for the better treatment of innocent animals.”
Davids also stressed the need for tougher enforcement. “No animal should suffer because bad actors know they can get away with it. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill to ensure stronger enforcement and greater accountability for those who abuse animals. The Better CARE for Animals Act gives us the tools we need to support more humane treatment across the country,” she said.
The bill has garnered support from animal welfare advocates, including the Humane World Action Fund.
“For too long, derelict dog breeders, subpar research facilities, and roadside zoos that make a mockery of animals have put profits over animals’ care and wellbeing by exploiting holes in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of the law,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane World Action Fund. “The reintroduction of the Better CARE for Animals Act will give the Department of Justice tools to crack down on scofflaws harming animals and provide USDA better support. No animal deserves to be sacrificed due to a critical lack of enforcement. We call on Congress to pass the bill now to create a new era of better care for animals.”
If passed, the Better CARE for Animals Act would mark a significant step toward improving animal welfare and ensuring that those who mistreat animals face real consequences.