Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025

S. 1538 would amend the Animal Welfare Act to strengthen enforcement of animal protection laws. The bill would give the Attorney General new authority to bring civil cases against individuals who violate animal welfare regulations, with the ability to seek injunctions, revoke licenses, and impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation. It would also allow federal judges and magistrates to issue warrants for enforcement purposes.

The bill includes provisions allowing for seizure and forfeiture of animals subjected to abusive or harmful conditions, with costs for animal care paid from penalties collected. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a memorandum of understanding with the Attorney General within 180 days to share information about repeat violators. Currently, the bill is in its early stages, having been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry in April 2025. If enacted, these changes would expand the federal government's ability to prosecute animal cruelty cases and remove animals from harmful situations.