1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2020”.
Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2020
A BILL
To establish an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and for other purposes.
2. Findings
Congress finds the following:
There is a significant connection between animal cruelty and violence against humans, domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, homicide, gang activity, drug trafficking, and other crimes.
Animal fighting activity may increase the spread of diseases transmitted between animals and people.
A number of Federal laws have been enacted to address cruelty to animals.
Recognizing the connection between animal cruelty and serious crimes the Federal Bureau of Investigation tracks animal cruelty crimes.
There is bipartisan and widespread public support for addressing animal cruelty.
There is a government interest in ensuring laws are robustly enforced for the betterment and protection of society.
The lack of a dedicated animal crimes enforcement unit within the Department of Justice has resulted in unacceptable delays in prosecutions, and an overall lack of prosecution, of animal crimes.
Dedicated staff and resources at the Department of Justice will facilitate successful enforcement of animal cruelty laws, which often have unique investigative elements, by providing specialized knowledge and focus, and streamlining the handling of these offenses.
3. Animal Cruelty Crimes Section of the Department of Justice
Establishment— There is established an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division to enforce Federal laws prohibiting animal cruelty under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice.
Purpose— The purpose of the Animal Cruelty Crimes Section is to enforce Federal laws prohibiting animal cruelty under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice and to vigorously pursue investigations and prosecutions under such laws.
Coordination— The Animal Cruelty Crimes Section shall coordinate with the Department of Agriculture, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other agencies, as appropriate.
Report— On the date that is one year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Animal Cruelty Crimes Section shall submit to Congress a report on, for the previous year—
the number of charges that were filed for violations of laws described in subsection (b), disaggregated by the law alleged to have been violated, the State in which the violation was alleged to have occurred, and the number of convictions; and
the number of investigations of violations of laws described in subsection (b) for which charges were not filed.