Gottheimer unveils legislation targeting animal abuse, abandonment during prevention month
NEW JERSEY — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced new bipartisan legislation Tuesday aimed at strengthening penalties for animal abuse and closing gaps that allow offenders to evade accountability.
The announcement comes during Animal Cruelty Prevention Month and includes multiple proposals designed to address abandonment, abuse and enforcement challenges across jurisdictions.
“Our pets aren’t just animals. They’re family,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “When someone is sick enough to abuse or abandon a helpless animal, it’s not just about that animal — that’s a flashing warning sign that something deeper is going on.”
Gottheimer continued, “Right now, there are far too many gaps. People dump animals on the side of highways or move them across state lines and think they can get away with it. Not anymore.”
Gottheimer concluded, “In Jersey, we don’t tolerate this sick behavior. We fight back. If you hurt an animal, there will be real consequences.”
One proposal, the Protect Our Pets Act, would make it a federal crime to abandon or endanger animals on federal property or across state lines, including at airports, parks and train stations. The bill calls for penalties of up to 10 years in prison for a first offense and up to 15 years for repeat offenses, along with increased penalties for severe acts of abuse.
A second measure, the FBI Animal Cruelty Taskforce Act, would establish a dedicated unit within the FBI to investigate cases such as dogfighting, cockfighting and other forms of animal abuse. The proposal also includes training resources for local law enforcement.
Gottheimer also said he is sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice urging federal officials to prioritize enforcement of animal cruelty laws and support the creation of a specialized task force.
The proposals follow recent cases that have drawn attention to animal cruelty, including incidents in Sussex County involving abandoned dogs and a separate case in Nevada where a dog was left at an airport.
According to national estimates cited by the congressman’s office, millions of animals die each year from abuse, abandonment or neglect. Research has also shown links between animal cruelty and other forms of violence, including domestic and child abuse.
Gottheimer said the measures are intended to address gaps in current laws and improve coordination between federal, state and local agencies.
