WASHINGTON — Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and Young Kim (R-Calif.) introduced bipartisan legislation to incentivize pet retailers to donate leftover and useable food and supplies to animal shelters. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) are introducing companion legislation in the Senate. 

The Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act aims to help the recovery of millions of pounds of pet food to feed shelter animals in need. In addition to food, the law would make it easier to donate beds, blankets, crates, leashes, toys and other necessary supplies. According to Raskin, this legislation is especially crucial as animal shelters are facing rising operational costs.

“Every day, viable pet food goes to waste and blankets, crates and other supplies end up in the trash,” he said. “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.”

Kim added, “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. I am happy to lead this commonsense bipartisan effort to support shelters and reduce waste in landfills.”

The BARK Act has caught the attention of related associations and non-profit organizations, leading to an outpour of support for the legislation. 

“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,” said Maggie Garret, vice president of federal affairs for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The Pet Food Institute (PFI) also expressed its support on the legislation, sharing that it will increase the welfare of shelter animals nationwide and reduce waste in landfills.

“The Pet Food Institute, whose members make the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, 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 Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer of PFI. “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.”

Other organizations that expressed their support include the Humane World Action Fund, Humane World for Animals, Best Friends Animal Society and Montgomery Country Humane Society (MCHS).

“Non-profit organizations like MCHS rely on the generosity of our communities,” said MCHS President and CEO Cris Bombaugh. “We are so pleased that the BARK Act will encourage even more generosity, and, in turn, help many more animals in need.”

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