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H.R. 3112: Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2025, aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act to enhance enforcement and accountability regarding animal welfare standards in the United States. Below are the key provisions of the bill:

Short Title

The Act can be referred to as the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025.

Strengthening Animal Welfare Enforcement

Definitions

The bill modifies certain definitions in Section 2 of the Animal Welfare Act to clarify the roles of representatives from the Secretary of Agriculture and to reorganize definitions for improved clarity.

Sale or Transportation Without License

It establishes that no dealer or exhibitor may engage in the buying, selling, exhibiting, or transporting of animals without a valid license from the Secretary of Agriculture.

Investigations and Inspections

The bill broadens the enforcement capabilities related to investigations and inspections by specifying that violations include not only the Act but also any rules or regulations promulgated under the Act.

Civil Penalties

It enhances the civil penalty provisions, allowing for the imposition of penalties for violations of the Act or any related regulations. This amendment specifies the potential penalties applicable for various violations.

Rewards and Expenses

It allows for the use of fines collected to cover the costs incurred by individuals who provide temporary care for animals involved in legal proceedings concerning violations of the Act.

Enforcement by Attorney General

The bill grants the Attorney General the authority to initiate civil actions in federal court for violations, including options for temporary restraining orders, injunctions, and civil penalties, up to $10,000 per day for ongoing violations.

Seizure and Forfeiture of Animals

It allows for the seizure and forfeiture of animals that are subject to violations of the Act, with the offending party potentially incurring costs related to the care of seized animals.

Warrants

The bill permits judges and magistrate judges to issue warrants for the enforcement of the Act and its regulations based on probable cause.

Attorney General and Secretary Authority

The bill clarifies that actions taken by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Agriculture do not interfere with each other's enforcement authority under the Animal Welfare Act.

Memorandum of Understanding

It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Attorney General within 180 days of the Act’s enactment to facilitate cooperation and information sharing regarding violators.

Sense of Congress

The bill expresses that federal courts should have jurisdiction over violations of the Animal Welfare Act and confers enforcement authority to the Attorney General in federal court for cases arising from violations of the Act.