Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) joined Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08), a member of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and Representatives David Joyce (OH-14) and Young Kim (CA-39) last week to introduce the bipartisan Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act, to provide liability protections for pet suppliers donating food and supplies to animal shelters.
The lawmakers say that by eliminating a current donation deterrent, the BARK Act would help recover millions of pounds of food waste for animal shelters in need.
“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. 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.”
From the press release:
Many stores discard pet food that is approaching its “best by” date, even though it is perfectly safe for pets to consume; the “best by” date is the manufacturer’s guarantee of freshness rather than an indicator of food safety. Retailers often cite donor liability as an obstacle to donating this surplus pet food. Meanwhile, in recent months animal shelters around the country have reported overcrowding, concerns about running low on pet food and a drop-off in charitable donations. The BARK Act would mitigate food shortages at animal shelters, while also helping to reduce the millions of pounds of pet food that go to waste in landfills each year.
The BARK Act amends the bipartisan Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act of 1996 (Emerson Act), which provides criminal and civil liability protections to people and businesses that make good faith donations of food to nonprofits serving needy individuals, to include donations of pet food and supplies to animal shelters.
The BARK Act has the support of 19 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and has been endorsed by the Animal Welfare Institute, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Best Friends Animal Society, Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF), the Humane Rescue Alliance, and Maryland Nonprofits.
Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Tom Tillis (R-NC) are introducing companion legislation in the Senate.
To read the full text of the bill, click here.
