Washington D.C., Today- U.S. Reps. Young Kim (CA-40), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Dave Joyce (OH-14), and Lucy McBath (GA-07) introduced the Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act to boost pet food and supplies to animal shelters amid growing shortages.
The bipartisan BARK Act aims to end food shortages facing animal shelters and reduce the millions of pounds of wasted pet food and supplies sitting in landfills by providing donor liability protections to businesses that provide charitable donations of food and pet supplies to shelters.
“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.”
“Today, some animal shelters struggle to buy enough pet food for all the animals in their care—while many pet stores routinely throw away perfectly good pet food,” said Rep. Raskin. “The BARK Act makes a straightforward fix to the law governing food donation to make donating pet food as easy as donating people food. The BARK Act is a commonsense, bipartisan opportunity to help shelter animals and reduce waste. I’m thankful to Reps. Kim, McBath and Joyce and Senators Warnock and Tillis for joining me in this effort.”
“As a proud pet owner, I understand the importance of protecting our four-legged friends,” said Congressman Joyce. “That’s why I am proud to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan BARK Act, which will help provide animal shelters with the food and resources they need while reducing waste across the country.”
“As a pet owner and fellow animal lover, I understand how important pets are to our families. After the death of my son, Jordan, I found solace in my relationship with the beloved dog he left behind, Benji,” said Rep. Lucy McBath. “I am proud to join my colleagues once again to introduce this bipartisan bill. The BARK Act will eliminate barriers and reduce waste while directing surplus pet food to shelters in need to nurture America’s animals as they await adoption to their forever homes.”
“Mission Viejo Animal Services is happy to show our support for the Bark Act. This is the type of thoughtful legislation that can have a large and lasting impact. The Bark Act is a wonderful effort to help those helping pets, and their families while reducing waste,” said Michelle Claud-Clemente, Director of Animal Services, City of Mission Viejo.
This bill is endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF), and the Humane Rescue Alliance.
A champion bill was introduced in the Senate by Senators Tom Tillis (R-NC) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA).
Read the full bill HERE.
