Child and Animal Abuse Detection and Reporting Act

Child abuse database records animal harm

If enacted, the bill would add animal-abuse incidents to the national clearinghouse for child abuse and neglect. The clearinghouse and State child protective services would have to record any act or failure to act that causes undue pain, suffering, or death to any animal. This must be recorded even if the conduct is not a violation of State or local cruelty laws. The change would take effect upon enactment and could give child welfare workers, researchers, and families more information during investigations.