Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Help Extract Animals from Red Tape Act of 2017 or the HEART Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the notice period in civil forfeiture proceedings that involve the seizure of an animal involved in animal fighting. It requires the government to send notice of the seizure to interested parties within 30 days (currently, 60 days). The notice period may be extended only if a delay is warranted after considering certain factors, including the cost to the government of providing shelter for the animal, the health of the animal and the effect of a delay on its rehabilitation, and any increased risk that a delay could necessitate the euthanasia of the animal. The bill amends the federal judicial code to authorize the Department of Justice to use amounts from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund to pay for costs associated with a seized animal, including transportation, shelter, care, veterinary services, and humane euthanasia.
Animal protection and human-animal relationshipsCivil actions and liabilityCrimes against animals and natural resourcesGamblingLaw enforcement administration and fundingMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersVeterinary medicine and animal diseases
To amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to civil forfeitures relating to certain seized animals.
USA115th CongressHR-398| House
| Updated: 2/6/2017
Help Extract Animals from Red Tape Act of 2017 or the HEART Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to modify the notice period in civil forfeiture proceedings that involve the seizure of an animal involved in animal fighting. It requires the government to send notice of the seizure to interested parties within 30 days (currently, 60 days). The notice period may be extended only if a delay is warranted after considering certain factors, including the cost to the government of providing shelter for the animal, the health of the animal and the effect of a delay on its rehabilitation, and any increased risk that a delay could necessitate the euthanasia of the animal. The bill amends the federal judicial code to authorize the Department of Justice to use amounts from the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund to pay for costs associated with a seized animal, including transportation, shelter, care, veterinary services, and humane euthanasia.
Animal protection and human-animal relationshipsCivil actions and liabilityCrimes against animals and natural resourcesGamblingLaw enforcement administration and fundingMuseums, exhibitions, cultural centersVeterinary medicine and animal diseases