Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced
Summary
Stronger federal enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. The bill would expand who can enforce the law, give the Attorney General new civil enforcement powers, and add licensing, tougher penalties, and seizure authority to protect animals.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New license rule for animal dealers
This bill would bar dealers and exhibitors from selling or transporting animals in commerce without a valid, unsuspended license. You would need that license to continue commercial activity.
Stronger federal animal enforcement powers
This bill would let the Attorney General sue in federal court to stop animal welfare violations. Courts could order removal or relocation of animals and issue warrants to seize animals. Penalties could be up to $10,000 for each violation for each day it continues. The government could recover reasonable transfer and care costs from the person whose actions led to a seizure. Fines collected would be used to pay temporary caretakers while cases are pending. The Agriculture Secretary would have to make an agreement with the Attorney General within 180 days to share timely information. Actions by the Attorney General would not limit the Secretary’s enforcement authority, and vice versa.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
LA • R
Sponsored 4/30/2025
Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
NY • D
Sponsored 6/23/2025
Peter Welch
VT • D
Sponsored 6/23/2025
Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
MD • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 9/2/2025
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 9/2/2025
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
ME • R
Sponsored 9/15/2025
Elissa Slotkin
MI • D
Sponsored 9/15/2025
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 9/15/2025
Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 9/19/2025
Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 10/14/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov