Legis Daily

Protect our Pets Act

USA119th CongressHR-8480| House 
| Updated: 4/23/2026
Josh Gottheimer

Josh Gottheimer

Democratic Representative

New Jersey

Cosponsors (1)
Michael Lawler (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation significantly strengthens federal protections against animal cruelty by increasing penalties for existing offenses and establishing new prohibitions. It amends title 18, United States Code, to raise the maximum imprisonment for a first offense of animal crushing from 7 to 10 years, and for subsequent offenses from 10 to 15 years. Additionally, the bill creates a new federal offense prohibiting the knowing abandonment or endangerment of domesticated animals on federal land or in interstate commerce. This new offense carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for a first offense and up to 15 years for repeat offenses. The legislation includes specific exceptions for customary veterinary, agricultural, hunting, research, and pest control practices, as well as actions necessary for self-protection or euthanasia.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 23, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 23, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • April 23, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 23, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Protect our Pets Act

USA119th CongressHR-8480| House 
| Updated: 4/23/2026
This legislation significantly strengthens federal protections against animal cruelty by increasing penalties for existing offenses and establishing new prohibitions. It amends title 18, United States Code, to raise the maximum imprisonment for a first offense of animal crushing from 7 to 10 years, and for subsequent offenses from 10 to 15 years. Additionally, the bill creates a new federal offense prohibiting the knowing abandonment or endangerment of domesticated animals on federal land or in interstate commerce. This new offense carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment for a first offense and up to 15 years for repeat offenses. The legislation includes specific exceptions for customary veterinary, agricultural, hunting, research, and pest control practices, as well as actions necessary for self-protection or euthanasia.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Apr 23, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 23, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • April 23, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 23, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Josh Gottheimer

Josh Gottheimer

Democratic Representative

New Jersey

Cosponsors (1)
Michael Lawler (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted