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H.R. 8480119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Apr 23, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
HR 8480 raises prison sentences for animal crushing and creates a new federal crime for abandoning or harming domestic pets across state lines.
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This bill makes two changes to federal law. It increases the maximum prison time for animal crushing to 10 years for a first offense and 15 years for a repeat offense. It also creates a new federal crime for knowingly abandoning or violently harming a domesticated animal when the act crosses state lines, involves foreign commerce, or happens on federal land.
This applies to anyone in the United States whose mistreatment or abandonment of a domesticated animal falls under federal jurisdiction. The law covers mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians kept as pets or for commercial purposes.
People convicted of animal crushing would face longer prison sentences than current federal law allows. Those who abandon or harm a pet across state lines or on federal land could now face federal criminal charges where none existed before.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
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: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.