Bills · S 1538
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1538Animals
Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025
INTRO APR 30· LAST ACTION APR 30
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
38
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to strengthen the enforcement of federal animal welfare laws, which have sometimes been criticized as having insufficient oversight. Currently, much of the enforcement falls to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but this bill adds the significant legal resources and authority of the Attorney General to the effort.
If this bill becomes law, it could lead to more aggressive and effective legal action against individuals and businesses that are found to be mistreating animals or operating illegally. This means more animals could be removed from harmful situations, and those responsible could face stiffer penalties. If it doesn't become law, enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act would continue primarily through the USDA, potentially leaving perceived gaps in the government's ability to prosecute serious or repeated violations.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil lawsuits against violators of the Animal Welfare Act, including seeking injunctions, license revocations, and civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation per day.
This creates a powerful new avenue for federal enforcement, allowing for direct legal action and significant financial consequences for animal welfare violations.
PROVISION 02
Allows for the seizure and forfeiture of animals subjected to conduct that violates the Animal Welfare Act.
This provides a direct mechanism to remove animals from harmful environments and transfers ownership to the government, often leading to better care.
PROVISION 03
Directs that sums received from penalties and fines for violations can be used to pay for the reasonable costs of temporary care for seized animals.
This ensures that animals rescued from abuse receive necessary care without burdening taxpayers or relying solely on external donations.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to establish a memorandum of understanding within 180 days to share information about serious violators.
This fosters collaboration and ensures that both agencies can effectively coordinate their efforts to target and prosecute animal abusers.
PROVISION 05
Clarifies that no dealer or exhibitor shall sell, transport, or offer animals in commerce without a valid, unsuspended license from the Secretary of Agriculture.
This reinforces a fundamental requirement for legitimate animal commerce under federal law, aiming to prevent illegal operations.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 38
D· Connecticut
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
127
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 11%
DEM 35 REP 2 IND 1
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSAPR 30
Introduced in Senate
APR 30
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1538
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedApr 30, 2025
Last actionApr 30, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · SENATE · INTRODUCED APR 30, 2025
Senate BillS 1538Animals
Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025
INTRODUCED APR 30, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 30, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
38
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
