U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) is among 20 original cosponsors of a bipartisan bill tackling growing food shortages at animal shelters across the country.
The Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act of 2021, H.R. 5684, which U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) sponsored on Oct. 22, would provide liability protections to people and businesses that make good faith donations of food and pet supplies to nonprofits and shelters, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Kim’s office.
“Nearly eight million animals currently in shelters are struggling due to increased food shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, millions of pounds of usable pet supplies are wasted each year that could be going to animals in need,” Rep. Kim said. “I’m glad to help lead this commonsense, bipartisan effort to reduce waste in landfills and support animal shelters in need.”
U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) are among the original cosponsors who joined Rep. Kim in introducing H.R. 5684, which has been endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Best Friends, and the Humane Society.
“We can empower pet stores to instead donate to animal shelters by removing bureaucratic disincentives,” said Rep. Raskin. “The BARK Act will give pet stores the same protections that grocery stores and markets already have when donating to food banks. This is a commonsense, bipartisan way to increase efficiency, reduce waste and promote charity for animals.”
Rep. Kim has cosponsored several other bipartisan efforts to help pets and support animal rights, including the Greyhound Protection Act of 2021, H.R. 3335, which protects greyhounds from abusive racing practices; and the Providing Responsible Emergency Plans for Animals at Risk of Emerging Disasters Act, H.R. 1442, which establishes requirements governing the care of animals by entities such as zoos during emergencies or disasters, among others.