Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023 Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2023
Impact
The modifications to the Animal Welfare Act embedded in HB 5041 are expected to not only reinforce existing laws but also extend the enforcement powers to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards. This could lead to a more robust enforcement mechanism, potentially resulting in increased accountability among dealers and exhibitors who have been known to operate outside of regulatory bounds. The approach emphasizes the importance of animal welfare and the need for effective enforcement to protect animals at risk of neglect or abuse.
Summary
House Bill 5041, known as the Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2023, aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act to enhance the enforcement capabilities of the Attorney General. The bill proposes to grant the Attorney General the authority to bring civil actions against violators of animal welfare regulations, which could include temporary restraining orders and injunctions, with penalties reaching up to $10,000 per violation for every day it continues. This represents a significant increase in regulatory enforcement and could lead to more stringent oversight of animal dealers and exhibitors.
Contention
While the bill has garnered bipartisan support for its focus on animal welfare, there are points of contention regarding the breadth of enforcement powers now afforded to the Attorney General. Opponents of the bill may raise concerns about potential overreach in terms of regulatory compliance and the implications for small animal-related businesses facing increased scrutiny. The focus on civil penalties could lead to debates about the fairness and practicality of such measures, particularly considering the financial implications for those accused of violations.
Notable_points
Notably, the bill also includes provisions for the seizure and forfeiture of animals involved in violations, highlighting a proactive approach to ensuring animal welfare. This could significantly change the landscape for animal businesses, with some members of the industry expressing fears over the potential for unintended consequences. Furthermore, the requirement for the Secretary of Agriculture to collaborate with the Attorney General to operationalize these enforcement strategies could lead to more effective monitoring systems for animal welfare violations.