Bill > S1538

This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to expand enforcement capabilities and strengthen protections for animals. The bill gives the Attorney General new authority to bring civil actions against individuals who violate animal welfare regulations, with the power to seek injunctions, revoke licenses, and impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation. It allows for the seizure and forfeiture of animals subjected to abusive or harmful conditions, and enables federal judges and magistrates to issue warrants for enforcement. The bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create a memorandum of understanding with the Attorney General within 180 days, ensuring timely information sharing about repeat violators. Additionally, the bill reorganizes and clarifies definitions in the existing law, streamlines licensing requirements for animal dealers and exhibitors, and allows penalties collected to be used for temporary animal care during legal proceedings. The bill also includes a severability clause, meaning that if any part of the law is found invalid, the rest of the law remains in effect. Importantly, the bill maintains that the actions of the Attorney General do not limit the Secretary of Agriculture's enforcement authority, and vice versa, ensuring comprehensive oversight of animal welfare regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1538/all-info