S. 1939: Bring Animals Relief and Kibble Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Bring Animals Relief and Kibble Act of 2025 (or the BARK Act of 2025), aims to encourage the donation of pet food and supplies by providing legal protections to those who give these items in good faith.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: The bill defines important terms related to pet food and supplies, including what qualifies as an "apparently fit pet-related product." This term refers to any pet food or supply that meets existing quality and labeling standards but may not be marketable due to its appearance, age, or other factors.
• Liability Protection: The bill establishes that individuals, nonprofit organizations, and local or state governments will not be held civilly or criminally liable for donating or distributing pet food and supplies that are in good condition, even if they are not in perfect shape. This protection applies as long as the donation is made in good faith.
• Exceptions: The liability protections do not cover cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. If an injury or death occurs due to such actions, those responsible could still face legal consequences.
• Partial Compliance Clause: If donors provide pet food or supplies that do not comply with all standards, they can still avoid liability if they notify the recipient (a nonprofit or government entity) about the item's condition and if those organizations agree to fix or recondition the items to meet standards.
• Impact on Regulations: The bill does not create new liabilities or override existing state or local health regulations.

Overall Intent

The overall aim of the BARK Act is to encourage the donation of pet food and supplies by offering legal protections to those who provide resources to help animals in need. The bill seeks to promote acts of kindness and support for the welfare of pets and emotional support animals, particularly in situations where items may not be fresh but are still safe for animal consumption.

Relevant Companies

None found.