Federal law already makes animal crushing a crime, but this legislation would raise the maximum prison sentence to 10 years for a first offense and 15 years for repeat offenses. It also creates a new federal crime for abandoning or violently endangering a pet or other domesticated animal in interstate commerce or on federal land, carrying the same penalty range. Farmers, veterinarians, hunters, medical researchers, and people acting to protect themselves or their property are explicitly exempted, so routine animal care and lawful activities are not affected. The measure targets deliberate cruelty and neglect that leaves animals to suffer or die, not standard agricultural or recreational practices.
Congressional Summary
Protect our Pets ActThis bill increases federal criminal penalties for animal crushing. The term animal crushing includes conduct to purposely crush, burn, drown, suffocate, or impale living animals. The bill also establishes a new federal criminal offense for abandoning or endangering domesticated animals.Current law imposes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to seven years, or both—for animal crushing. Under this bill, an individual who commits an animal crushing offense is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both for a first offense; and a fine, a prison term of up to 15 years, or both for a second or subsequent offense.Additionally, the bill establishes a new federal criminal offense for knowingly abandoning a domesticated animal or committing an act of violence that endangers a domesticated animal. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both for a first offense; and a fine, a prison term of up to 15 years, or both for a second or subsequent offense. The bill provides exceptions, including for conduct that is (1) the slaughter of animals for food, (2) medical or scientific research, (3) necessary to protect the life or property of a person, or (4) performed as part of euthanizing an animal.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2026-04-23
- Date Added
- 2026-07-07
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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