Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) introduced bipartisan legislation to incentivize pet suppliers to donate leftover and usable food and supplies to animal shelters.
The Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act could help the recovery of millions of pounds of pet food to feed shelter animals. In addition to food, the law would make it easier to donate beds, blankets, crates, leashes, toys and more gear for animals in need. This legislation is especially crucial as animal shelters face rising operational costs.
“Across the country, many animal shelters face food and supply shortages while over a million pounds of useable pet supplies are wasted each year. The BARK Act will help reduce this waste, supply shelters in need, and feed animals,” said Congresswoman Kim. “I am happy to lead this commonsense bipartisan effort to support shelters and reduce waste in landfills.”
“Every day, viable pet food goes to waste and blankets, crates and other supplies end up in the trash,” said Rep. Raskin. “Our legislation helps suppliers and people donate leftover food and supplies rather than toss them out. I’m glad to partner with Rep. Kim to ensure perfectly good pet supplies go to shelter animals in need.”
“I’ve seen the bags of perfectly usable pet foods that retailers put in the trash—all of which could benefit an animal in a shelter,” said Sally Tom of Silver Spring, Rep. Raskin’s constituent and the inspiration behind the BARK Act. “After taking this problem to my Congressman, Jamie Raskin, he immediately crafted the BARK Act to help pet retail stores send shelters, rescue groups, and most importantly, millions of hungry animals the food they need. Let’s rescue food for the rescues!”
“The ASPCA applauds Representatives Raskin, Kim, and McBath, as well as Senators Warnock and Tillis for reintroducing the BARK Act, which will make it easier for individuals and businesses to donate food and supplies to nonprofits and government agencies that care for dogs, cats, and other vulnerable animals in need,” said Maggie Garrett, vice president of federal affairs for the ASPCA. “This bill will help shelters across the country who are facing an ongoing capacity crisis, caused by animals staying in shelters longer, staffing and veterinary shortages, and an increase in the number of animals with significant medical and behavioral needs.”
“The BARK Act is a commonsense way to boost pet food and supplies for animal shelters” said Tracie Letterman, Vice President, Humane World Action Fund.“This bill gives rescued animals a chance to find their forever families by helping those animal shelters struggling to operate.”
“Pets are an essential part of our families, and the BARK Act will make it easier for organizations to accept and distribute donations of pet food and supplies to people in need of support”, said Amanda Arrington, Vice President of Access to Care, Humane World for Animals. “We applaud Reps. Kim and Raskin for expanding the availability of these donations as it will make it easier for more pets to stay in their loving homes.”
“The Pet Food Institute, whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the U.S., applauds Rep. Jamie Raskin for reintroducing the BARK Act, which will make it easier to donate pet food and supplies to our nation’s animal shelters, while reducing waste,” said PFI’s president and CEO, Dana Brooks.“Helping eliminate barriers to donating pet food will ensure shelters are better able to provide pets awaiting their forever homes with the complete and balanced nutrition that cats and dogs need to live long and happy lives.”
The following organizations endorse the BARK Act: Best Friends Animal Society, Pet Food Institute, ASPCA, Humane World Action Fund, and Maryland Nonprofits.
Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) are introducing companion legislation in the Senate.
