Kaine Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Hold Animal Abusers Accountable

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine cosponsored the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement (CARE) for Animals Act, bipartisan legislation led by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and John Kennedy (R-LA) to strengthen the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) enforcement power against animal abusers. Specifically, the bill would provide the DOJ with the same enforcement authority as the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act, which establishes the minimum standards of care and treatment of animals. It would allow the DOJ to levy civil penalties against abusers, suspend and revoke their breeding licenses, and remove or relocate animals that may be experiencing harmful treatment.

“No animal deserves to be mistreated or abused,” said Kaine. “The CARE for Animals Act would help ensure animal abusers are held accountable for their actions and protect animals from horrible conditions.”

Kaine has long supported efforts to prevent animal abuse and hold abusers accountable. Thanks to Kaine’s advocacy and calls for action, nearly 4,000 dogs were freed from horrific conditions at an Envigo breeding facility in Cumberland, Virginia. Kaine has also been a consistent cosponsor of the Puppy Protection Act, legislation that would amend the Animal Welfare Act to include additional care and safety standards for dog breeders like Envigo.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and was led by Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-5) and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14).

Full text of the bill is available here.

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