DOJ gains authority to prosecute animal welfare violations

Q: What does it cost, and who pays?

Fines can reach up to $10,000 per violation per day. Money collected from fines and penalties must go toward the temporary care of animals while legal cases are being resolved. The person found responsible for a violation can also be charged for the cost of caring for any seized animals.

In committeeH.R. 3112Latest action Apr 30, 2025

Sponsor: Nicole Malliotakis · Representative · NY

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025

119th Congress

Topics: Environment & energy

Introduced: April 30, 2025

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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HR 3112 gives the Justice Department new legal powers to enforce animal welfare laws, including seizing animals and fining violators up to $10,000 per day.

60-second read · 5 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill gives the U.S. Department of Justice new, direct powers to enforce federal animal welfare laws — powers that mostly belonged to the Department of Agriculture before. The Justice Department can now go to court to stop violations, remove animals, revoke licenses, and collect fines. The two agencies must also agree within 180 days on how they will share information and work together.

Who does it affect?

Licensed animal dealers and exhibitors — such as breeders, zoos, and similar businesses — are the people most directly regulated under this bill. Anyone who temporarily cares for animals seized during an enforcement action is also affected.

Why does it matter?

Adding a second federal agency to enforcement means violators face a wider legal response than before. Repeat violators whose actions seriously harm animals' health are specifically flagged for information-sharing between agencies.

What does it cost, and who pays?

Fines up to $10,000/violation/day
Fine money funds seized animal care
Violators may pay animal care costs

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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IntroducedApr 30, 2025
House committeeYou are here · Apr 30, 2025
House vote
Senate
The president's desk

Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: April 30, 2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

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