Blumenthal, Kennedy, Malliotakis, & Quigley Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Hold Animal Abusers Accountable
As Animal Cruelty Prevention Month draws to a close, lawmakers seek to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act, allow civil action against abusers
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and John Kennedy (R-LA) today introduced the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act and hold animal abusers accountable. Specifically, the bill would allow the Department of Justice (DOJ) to levy civil penalties against abusers, suspend and revoke their licenses, and remove or relocate animals who may be experiencing harmful treatment. U.S. Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Mike Quigley (D-IL), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“Our bipartisan, bicameral measure protects animals from mistreatment and neglect by holding bad actors accountable for their abuse,”
“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.
“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.
“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,” said Quigley. “As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I am proud to join my colleagues in improving enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.”
“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.”
“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,” said Davids.
“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.”
The Better CARE for Animals Act is endorsed by the Humane World Action Fund. The full text of the bill is available here.
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