Bills · HR 1477
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 1477Crimes against animals and natural resourcesIntergovernmental relations
Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2025
INTRO FEB 21· LAST ACTION FEB 21
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
51BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it tries to close what some see as a gap in how seriously federal animal cruelty laws are enforced. If it becomes law, it would ensure that there are dedicated resources and experts solely focused on prosecuting these crimes, which could lead to more successful investigations and convictions. This could mean fewer animals suffering from abuse and neglect, and proponents believe it could even help reduce other types of violence, as the bill highlights a connection between animal cruelty and violence against humans.
Without this bill, animal cruelty cases might continue to be handled by general units within the DOJ, potentially leading to delays or fewer prosecutions due to a lack of specialized focus or resources. By establishing a dedicated section, the bill aims to elevate the priority of these offenses and provide transparency through annual reports, allowing the public and Congress to track the government's efforts in combating animal cruelty more effectively.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a dedicated Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division.
This creates a specialized unit focused solely on federal animal cruelty cases, aiming for more effective enforcement.
PROVISION 02
Mandates the new section to vigorously pursue investigations and prosecutions of federal animal cruelty laws.
This ensures that the section has a clear directive to actively enforce these laws rather than passively overseeing them.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Animal Cruelty Crimes Section to coordinate with other federal agencies like the Department of Agriculture, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service.
This fosters inter-agency cooperation, pooling resources and expertise for more comprehensive investigations.
PROVISION 04
Requires the section to submit annual reports to Congress detailing charges filed, convictions, and investigations for animal cruelty violations.
This provides transparency and accountability, allowing Congress and the public to monitor the section's performance.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 51
R· Ohio
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
21
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 51%
DEM 38 REP 13 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 21
Introduced in House
FEB 21
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 1477
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 21, 2025
Last actionFeb 21, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 21, 2025
House BillHR 1477Crimes against animals and natural resourcesIntergovernmental relations
Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2025
INTRODUCED FEB 21, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 21, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
51
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
