Protect our Pets Act

“48A. Abandonment or endangerment of animals

“(a) Offense—Whoever, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, or on Federal land, knowingly abandons a domesticated animal or commits an act of violence that endangers a domesticated animal, shall be—

“(1) in the case of a first offense, fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or both; and

“(2) in the case of a second or subsequent offense, fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both.

“(b) Exceptions—This section does not apply with regard to any conduct that is—

“(1) a customary and normal veterinary, agricultural husbandry, or other animal management practice;

“(2) the slaughter of animals for food;

“(3) hunting, trapping, fishing, a sporting activity not otherwise prohibited by Federal law, predator control, or pest control;

“(4) medical or scientific research;

“(5) necessary to protect the life or property of a person; or

“(6) performed as part of euthanizing an animal.

“(c) Definition—In this section, the term domesticated animal means a living non-human mammal, bird, reptile, or amphibian, whether kept for pleasure or commercial purposes.”