Animal Welfare

Throughout my time in Congress, I have been active on animal welfare issues, even earning a 100% rating from the Humane Society in 2015. During the 115th Congress, I have continued to support efforts that improve well-being of animals. Listed below are a few of the bills I have supported this Congress.

Sponsored Legislation

Help Extract Animals from Red Tape- This bill permits judges to require defendants to cover the cost of caring for animals seized in federal animal fighting cases and quicken the process of getting the animals new owners.

Pet and Women Safety Act- This bill assists programs in providing shelter and housing assistance for the companion animals of domestic violence victims.

Safeguard American Food Exports Act- This bill seeks to ban horse slaughter.

Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act- This bill would prohibit individuals from killing dogs or cats for human consumption.

Animal Emergency Planning Act- This bill aims to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans ensure that commercially owned animals are accounted for before, during, and after major disasters or emergencies.

Big Cat Public Safety Act- This bill makes it illegal for any person to possess any big cat (tigers, lions, cougars, leopards, etc..), except for accredited zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.

Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act- This bill strengthens the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act to further criminalize the intentional crushing of animals.

Prevent All Soring Tactics Act- This bill seeks to end the practice of horse soring, which involves using chemicals or action devices to change the animal’s natural gait.