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Stronger Animal Welfare Enforcement: New Powers for the Attorney General.

This bill significantly strengthens federal animal welfare enforcement by granting the U.S. Attorney General (AG) the power to file civil lawsuits, impose high daily fines (up to $10,000), and order the seizure of animals involved in violations. These changes aim to ensure faster and more effective punishment for serious breaches, particularly in commercial breeding or exhibition operations. Fines collected can also be used to cover the costs of temporary care for seized animals.
Key points
The U.S. Attorney General gains direct authority to sue violators of the Animal Welfare Act, including seeking immediate injunctions for animal removal or relocation.
Animals subjected to violations are subject to seizure and forfeiture, and violators may be charged for the costs of their care and transfer.
Imposes civil penalties up to $10,000 for each day a violation continues, increasing the financial risk for unlicensed commercial dealers and exhibitors.
Fines collected from violations can now be used to reimburse individuals or organizations providing temporary care for seized animals during legal proceedings.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_2555
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Process start date: 2023-07-27
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-09-2025
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_S_2555.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-07-27.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The U.S. Attorney General gains direct authority to sue violators of the Animal Welfare Act, including seeking immediate injunctions for animal removal or relocation.
  • Animals subjected to violations are subject to seizure and forfeiture, and violators may be charged for the costs of their care and transfer.
  • Imposes civil penalties up to $10,000 for each day a violation continues, increasing the financial risk for unlicensed commercial dealers and exhibitors.
  • Fines collected from violations can now be used to reimburse individuals or organizations providing temporary care for seized animals during legal proceedings.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-26.

CATEGORIES

Agriculture Courts and Law