MPBA 3RD QTR MAGAZINE 2025 FOR WEB

Federal Legislation We Are Working to Oppose in the 119th Congress (Congress Session 119 began on 1/3/2025)

Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act – H.R.1477

Why We are Working to Oppose: The ambiguous language could be weaponized against compliant farmers, ranchers, breeders, and exhibitors based on activist claims, undermining lawful animal care practices.

Sponsors: Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)

Co-Sponsors: House 72 - Senate 8

Sponsor: Rep. David Joyce (R-OH)

Committee: Senate Judiciary Committee

Co-Sponsors: Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO), Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)

Summary: Expands federal enforcement powers related to animal fighting, including surveillance, investigation, and prosecution authority. Why We are Working to Oppose: While positioned as anti-cruelty, it opens the door to targeting law- abiding poultry breeders and rural animal owners, expanding government reach under the guise of fighting crime.

FBI Animal Cruelty Taskforce of 2025 – H.R.3683 **Newly Introduced

Co-Sponsors: House 32

Committee: House Judiciary Committee

Sponsors: Rep. Gottheimer (D-NJ)

Summary: Establishes an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the U.S. Department of Justice to coordinate enforcement of animal cruelty laws. Why We are Working to Oppose: Federalizes animal cruelty enforcement, which is best handled by states. Opens the door for federal overreach and prioritizes ideologically driven agendas that threaten lawful animal- related businesses.

Co-Sponsors: House 12

Committee: House Judiciary Committee

Summary: Establishes an Animal Cruelty Crimes Taskforce within the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and for other purposes. Why We are Working to Oppose: While this legislation may sound like “more protection,” in reality it federalizes animal cruelty enforcement—something that has always been and should remain under state authority. This opens the door to massive federal overreach and allows ideologically motivated agendas to target lawful animal businesses like yours.

Goldie’s Act – H.R.349

Sponsor: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)

Co-Sponsors: House 66

Better Care for Animals Act – H.R.3112 / S.1538

Committee: House Agriculture Committee

Summary: Mandates more frequent and aggressive USDA inspections, stricter penalties, and animal confiscations under vague care standards. Why We are Working to Oppose: Transforms USDA Animal Care from an education/compliance model to punitive enforcement. Empowers activist complaints and threatens

Sponsors: Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) / Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)

Co-Sponsors: House 83 – Senate 6 Committees: House Judiciary Committee / Senate Judiciary Committee Summary: Creates a new federal felony for causing “serious harm” to an animal under federal law using vague, undefined language.

FIGHT Act – H.R.3946/S.1454 Bill Title: Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking Act

Missouri Pet Breeders Association | Page 4

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