Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025

Bill Summary: Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 (H.R. 3112)

Overview

The Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2025 (Better CARE for Animals Act) is a legislative proposal designed to strengthen the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. The primary goal of the bill is to expand the legal tools available to the U.S. Attorney General to prosecute animal welfare violations and improve coordination between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Main Purpose and Intent

Currently, enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act relies heavily on the Secretary of Agriculture. This bill seeks to provide a more robust legal framework by explicitly granting the Attorney General the authority to bring civil actions, seek injunctions, and oversee the seizure and forfeiture of animals in cases of abuse or regulatory non-compliance.

Key Provisions

1. Expanded Enforcement Authority

The bill introduces "Section 20," which empowers the Attorney General to take the following actions in federal district court:
* Civil Actions: Bring lawsuits for relief, including temporary restraining orders and permanent injunctions.
* Animal Relocation: Seek court orders for the removal or relocation of animals from abusive environments.
* Financial Penalties: Impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, per day that the violation continues.
* License Revocation: Pursue the revocation of licenses for violators.

2. Seizure and Forfeiture

The Act establishes a clear legal path for the seizure and forfeiture of animals subjected to conduct that violates the Animal Welfare Act. It also allows the government to charge the violating party a reasonable fee for the costs associated with the transfer and care of the seized animals.

3. Funding for Temporary Care

The bill mandates that funds collected from penalties and fines be used to cover the "reasonable and necessary costs" of providing temporary care for animals while civil or criminal proceedings are pending.

4. Legal and Procedural Updates

• Warrants: Explicitly allows federal and magistrate judges to issue warrants for the enforcement of the Act based on probable cause.
• Regulatory Scope: Clarifies that enforcement authority applies not only to the Act itself but also to any rules, standards, or regulations created under the Act.
• Inter-Agency Collaboration: Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Attorney General within 180 days of enactment to streamline the sharing of information regarding repeat violators.

Who is Affected?

• Animal Dealers and Exhibitors: Those operating in commerce must maintain a valid, non-suspended license to purchase, sell, or transport animals. They face significantly higher financial risks and stricter oversight.
• The USDA and DOJ: Both agencies will see an increase in coordinated enforcement capabilities.
• Animals in Regulated Facilities: Animals in labs, zoos, and trading facilities would have a stronger legal mechanism for emergency relocation and rescue.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

• Introduced: April 30, 2025.
• Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• Implementation: A mandatory Memorandum of Understanding between the USDA and DOJ must be established within 180 days of the bill becoming law.