Bill · H.R. 8480· House(119-HR-8480)
Protect our Pets Act
- Introduced
- 4/23/2026
- Last activity
- 4/23/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Josh Gottheimer
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Protect our Pets Act," aims to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It seeks to increase penalties associated with animal crushing. Additionally, the bill proposes a new section to prohibit the abandonment or endangerment of domesticated animals on Federal land. These new penalties include fines and potential imprisonment for up to 10 years for a first offense. For second or subsequent offenses, the prison sentence can increase to up to 15 years.
Yes
No question was scored yes.
The opposite
Does this shorten or soften prison sentences?-3
The bill increases criminal penalties and prison terms for animal crushing and abandonment offenses.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased penalties for animal crushing: Under Section 2, the bill increases penalties for first offenses to up to 10 years in prison and second or subsequent offenses to up to 15 years. This provides stricter consequences for those who violate section 48 of title 18.
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New protections against animal abandonment or endangerment: Section 3(a) creates a new offense for those who knowingly abandon a domesticated animal or commit acts of violence that endanger one on Federal land or in interstate commerce. This includes penalties of up to 10 years for a first offense and up to 15 years for subsequent offenses.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased prison time for animal-related offenses: According to Section 2 and Section 3(a), individuals found guilty of animal crushing or the abandonment/endangerment of domesticated animals could face significant prison sentences of up to 10 or 15 years.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform-3
- 4/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York