This bill strengthens animal welfare enforcement by expanding the U.S. Attorney General's power to prosecute violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The legislation gives the Attorney General new authority to file civil lawsuits in federal court against anyone violating animal welfare rules, with penalties up to $10,000 per violation per day, and allows seizure and forfeiture of animals subjected to violations. The bill also allows penalties and fines collected to be used for temporary care of animals involved in enforcement cases. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture and Attorney General must establish a coordination agreement to share information about repeat animal welfare violators. The changes primarily affect animal dealers, exhibitors, and others subject to animal welfare regulations, while giving federal law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on violations.
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