Animal Welfare
Updated 11.03.2025
Horse Protection Act (H.R. 1684 – PAST Act)
The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act has been reintroduced for the 119th Congress as H.R. 1684 by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1) with 204 bipartisan co-sponsors. This bill strengthens the Horse Protection Act by banning devices used to inflict pain, eliminating industry self-policing, and increasing penalties for violators. It is currently in committee and has not yet advanced to a floor vote.
Regulatory update: USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) finalized new Horse Protection Act rules in 2024, but implementation has been delayed until February 2026 due to legal challenges.
The alternative bill from the previous Congress, H.R. 2648 (Protecting Horses from Soring Act of 2023), did not advance and expired at the end of the 118th Congress. There is no current reintroduction of this alternative in the 119th Congress.
Combating Illicit Xylazine Act
The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act has been reintroduced in 2025 in both chambers. It would classify illicit xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while preserving veterinary access. The bill enjoys strong bipartisan support and is endorsed by law enforcement and veterinary organizations. It aims to give DEA enforcement tools to combat diversion while requiring reporting on prevalence and risks. The legislation is pending in committee.
Save America’s Forgotten Equines Act (H.R. 1661)
The SAFE Act has been reintroduced as H.R. 1661 (SAFE Act of 2025) by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9), with bipartisan support. This bill would permanently ban horse slaughter for human consumption and prohibit export for slaughter abroad. It is currently referred to the House Agriculture Committee and has 179 co-sponsors. Lawmakers hope to include it in the upcoming Farm Bill.
Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act (H.R. 5286)
Representative Dina Titus (D-NV-1) introduced H.R. 5286, the Humane Transport of Farmed Animals Act, on September 10, 2025. The bill seeks to improve welfare standards for farm animals during interstate transport by enforcing the Twenty-Eight Hour Law
through DOT and USDA oversight, and prohibiting transport of unfit animals (sick, injured, blind, near-term pregnant, or newborns with unhealed navels).
The bill has been referred to the House Agriculture Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It currently has five co-sponsors and is supported by animal welfare organizations advocating for stronger enforcement of humane transport laws.
LEO K9 Protection Act (H.R. 4755)
Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL-4) introduced H.R. 4755, the LEO K9 Protection Act, on July 25, 2025. Named in honor of K9 Leo, the bill strengthens protections for law enforcement animals and expands the definition to horses serving federal, state, and local law enforcement.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It currently has two sponsors and is supported by law enforcement advocacy groups.
Horse Transportation Safety Act (H.R. 3623)
Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) introduced H.R. 3623, the Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2025, on May 29, 2025. The bill aims to improve safety and welfare for horses during interstate transport by prohibiting transportation of horses in motor vehicles containing two or more stacked levels.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. It currently has 23 bipartisan co-sponsors and is supported by animal welfare organizations.
STOP Screwworms Act (H.R. 3392)
Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) introduced H.R. 3392, the STOP Screwworms Act, on May 14, 2025, with 49 bipartisan co-sponsors. The bill addresses the threat posed by the New World screwworm fly, an invasive pest that can cause severe harm to livestock and wildlife by laying eggs in wounds, leading to potentially fatal infestations.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. A Senate companion bill (S. 1751) was introduced by Senators Cornyn, Cruz, Heinrich, and Hyde-Smith and referred to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.