Bills · HR 3456
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3456Animals
CHER Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 15· LAST ACTION MAY 15
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
1
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 proposes a fundamental shift in the ethical treatment and public display of elephants in the United States. If passed, it would drastically change the landscape of zoos and safari parks, removing popular attractions and forcing these institutions to adapt. For advocates of animal welfare, this bill represents a victory, moving towards providing more natural and humane environments for highly intelligent and socially complex animals that they argue cannot thrive in traditional captive settings.
Conversely, for zoos, this could mean a significant loss of visitors, revenue, and educational programming related to elephants. It also raises questions about the role of zoos in species conservation and public education when direct interaction with certain animals is removed. Voters should care as it impacts both the future of iconic elephant species within the U.S. and the financial and operational viability of existing animal exhibition facilities, sparking a broader conversation about human-animal relationships and conservation strategies.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits zoos and safari parks from displaying, housing, managing, or breeding African or Asian elephants, starting one year after the bill becomes law.
This provision directly ends the practice of keeping elephants in traditional zoos and safari parks, fundamentally altering these institutions and public access to seeing elephants.
PROVISION 02
Requires all existing elephants in zoos and safari parks to be transferred to authorized wildlife sanctuaries within three years of the bill's enactment.
This ensures the relocation and continued care of elephants currently in captivity, aiming to provide them with environments better suited to their welfare.
PROVISION 03
Defines an 'authorized wildlife sanctuary' as a non-profit facility that does not breed or exhibit animals for profit or public entertainment, and meets high standards for care.
This sets strict criteria for the new homes for elephants, ensuring they are placed in environments focused solely on their lifelong welfare rather than commercial or entertainment purposes.
PROVISION 04
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the feasibility of these elephant transfers and potentially establish a grant program to support sanctuaries.
This provision aims to address the practical challenges and financial needs associated with moving and caring for a large number of elephants in new sanctuary settings.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· New York
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
55
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 15
Introduced in House
MAY 15
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3456
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 15, 2025
Last actionMay 15, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 15, 2025
House BillHR 3456Animals
CHER Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAY 15, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 15, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
