This bill would create an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section inside the Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division. The new section's purpose is to enforce federal laws that prohibit animal cruelty and to pursue investigations and prosecutions of those crimes. It must coordinate with agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, the Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The section must send Congress a report one year after enactment and every year after that. The report must list how many charges were filed (broken down by the law alleged, the State, and the number of convictions) and how many investigations did not result in charges. The bill text also lists findings about links between animal cruelty and other crimes, disease risks from animal fighting, bipartisan public support, and the need for specialized enforcement staff.
If you are involved in or report a case of animal cruelty that falls under federal law, the Department of Justice would have a dedicated unit to handle investigation and prosecution. The unit is required to work with several federal agencies. Congress will receive yearly data about federal animal cruelty charges, convictions, and investigations that did not lead to charges.
No publicly available information.
The bill states supporters believe animal cruelty is connected to other violent crimes and public health risks, that current enforcement has been delayed or insufficient, and that a dedicated DOJ section with specialized staff and resources will improve enforcement. The bill also says there is bipartisan and widespread public support for addressing animal cruelty.
No publicly available information.