What does Preamble of Protect our Pets Act do?

This bill proposes to amend Title 18, United States Code, concerning animal crushing. The stated purpose of the bill is to increase penalties for animal crushing. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 23, 2026.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protect our Pets Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Protect our Pets Act.

What does INCREASED PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL CRUSHING. of Protect our Pets Act do?

This section amends subsection (c) of section 48 of title 18, United States Code. The penalty for a first offense is a fine, imprisonment for not more than 10 years, or both. The penalty for a second or subsequent offense is a fine, imprisonment for not more than 15 years, or both.

What does ABANDONMENT OR ENDANGERMENT OF ANIMALS ON FEDERAL LAND of Protect our Pets Act do?

This section amends Chapter 3 of Title 18, United States Code, by adding Section 48A. Section 48A prohibits the abandonment of a domesticated animal or acts of violence that endanger a domesticated animal on Federal land or in interstate/foreign commerce. A first offense carries a potential fine, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. A second or subsequent offense carries a potential fine, imprisonment for up to 15 years, or both. Exceptions to this section include customary veterinary practices, slaughter for food, hunting/fishing, scientific research, protecting life/property, and euthanasia. The term 'domesticated animal' is defined as a living non-human mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian, whether kept for pleasure or commercial purposes.

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Protect our Pets Act

Last updated: 4/23/2026 · Introduced: 4/23/2026

Author: Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)

TL;DR (AI)

The Protect our Pets Act increases penalties, including potential imprisonment of up to 10 years for a first offense and 15 years for subsequent offenses, for animal crushing.
This bill establishes a new federal crime prohibiting the abandonment or endangerment of domesticated animals on federal land or in interstate/foreign commerce, with similar penalties for repeat offenses.
The legislation defines 'domesticated animal' as a living non-human mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian and includes exceptions for activities like veterinary practices, hunting, and scientific research.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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