Katko’s bipartisan bill aims to protect, help abused animals

U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-NY) recently introduced a bipartisan bill that would change the law regarding civil forfeitures related to abused animals that were seized as part of federal animal fighting cases. 

“Under current law, neglected or abused animals that are seized by federal authorities often endure long stays in shelters as they await trial decisions in the federal court system,” Rep. Katko said on April 8. “In the meantime, taxpayers are forced to bear the cost for the care shelters provide, instead of the perpetrator.”

The Help Extract Animals from Red Tape (HEART) Act, H.R. 2085, which Rep. Katko cosponsored on March 19 with U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), aims to protect animals victimized by fighting rings and would transfer the cost of care from taxpayers to those responsible for harming the animals, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office. 

Additionally, the bill would require the court to consider the animals’ welfare, as well as the cost to the government, when seeking to extend the notice period, the summary says.

If enacted, H.R. 2085 “also improves the disposition process so animals can be matched more quickly with loving, caring homes,” said Rep. Katko.

H.R. 2085 would speed up the disposition process by reducing from 60 days to 30 days the amount of time the government has to notify interested parties following the seizure of animals under the federal animal fighting or gambling statutes, according to the summary.

“Animal fighting is a horrific ‘blood-sport’ in which innocent victims are forced to train, fight and suffer for the debased entertainment and profit of spectators,” said Richard Patch, vice president of federal affairs for the ASPCA. “The ASPCA is grateful to Representatives Chu and Katko for their continued leadership in championing the HEART Act to streamline the process to give these victims of cruelty the chance they deserve to find safe and loving homes.”

The lawmakers first introduced the HEART Act of 2019 in February 2019, but the bill languished in subcommittee despite having 76 other cosponsors.