Sponsors (197)
The bill clarifies federal court and DOJ authority to enforce the Animal Welfare Act—improving nationwide enforcement consistency and compliance incentives—but this could raise legal exposure, costs, and regulatory uncertainty for nonprofits and other regulated entities.
Regulated entities (nonprofits, animal rescues/shelters, research facilities) and the public: federal courts and the Department of Justice would be confirmed to have authority to hear and prosecute Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations, creating more consistent national enforcement and stronger incentives for regulated parties to comply.
Nonprofits, animal rescues/shelters, research facilities, and hospitals: could face increased legal exposure and higher compliance or litigation costs if federal enforcement is pursued more aggressively, imposing financial strain on these organizations.
Regulated parties (especially nonprofits and shelters): because the provision is nonbinding, it may create expectations of federal enforcement that are not guaranteed, increasing regulatory uncertainty about who will enforce the AWA and when.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Strengthens Animal Welfare Act enforcement by expanding DOJ civil authority, increasing penalties, authorizing seizure and warrants, and requiring USDA-DOJ coordination.
Introduced April 30, 2025 by Nicole Malliotakis · Last progress April 30, 2025
Strengthens federal enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by expanding definitions, tightening license requirements for dealers and exhibitors, and giving the Attorney General new civil enforcement powers in federal court. It raises potential civil penalties (up to $10,000 per violation per day), authorizes seizure and forfeiture of animals, permits judges to issue warrants for enforcement, and requires the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice to formalize information-sharing and implementation procedures within 180 days. The bill also clarifies that penalties collected can reimburse persons who provide temporary care for animals pending proceedings, preserves concurrent authority between agencies, includes a severability clause, and expresses a nonbinding congressional view that federal courts and the Attorney General have jurisdiction to enforce Animal Welfare Act rules and regulations.