H.R. 4638Passed one chamberImmigration
Bill would add deportation penalty for harming police animals
Data as of July 11, 2026
Non-citizens convicted of or admitting to harming police animals could be denied entry or deported under this bill.40-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
The BOWOW Act adds an immigration penalty for harming official working animals, such as police dogs or horses, on top of the existing federal crime. Non-citizens convicted of, or who admit to, this crime can be denied U.S. entry or deported if already living in the country. This applies to visa applicants, green card holders, and other non-citizens, regardless of immigration status.
Who does it affect?
Affects non-citizens, including green card holders and visa applicants, convicted of or admitting to harming working animals used in law enforcement. Does not affect U.S. citizens, since immigration law does not apply to them.
Why does it matter?
The change means an existing criminal offense would now also carry immigration consequences, adding deportation or inadmissibility risk for affected non-citizens.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate — You are here
- President's desk
Right now: it passed the House and now goes to the Senate. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Federal Working Animal Protection Act
- Introduced:
- July 23, 2025
- Latest action:
- March 19, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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