Redesignates existing definition paragraphs and adds new definitions for “action device” (with exclusion for soft rubber/leather boots) and “participate” (with listed inclusions and exclusion for spectating).

Modifies the congressional findings by adding three new findings about the Inspector General’s determination, breeds historically subjected to soring, and continued prevalence of violations despite regulations.

Replaces language about persons "appointed" to inspect with a Secretary-licensed inspector framework, adds specified disqualification periods for repeat sore determinations, sets notification and assignment procedures and timelines for licensed inspectors, requires citation reporting timelines, and requires APHIS publication of violations information.

Adds new unlawful-act prohibitions targeting use of action devices and weighted/constructive gait-altering devices on specified breeds at shows/sales/auctions and updates wording replacing "appoint" with "hire" in several provisions.

Increases criminal and civil penalties, adds a penalty for failing to obey disqualification orders, adjusts civil penalty amounts including for failure to pay licensed inspectors, and revises cross-references to include regulations.