Animal Protection Immigration Bill

Official: Federal Working Animal Protection Act

IntroducedJuly 23, 2025

ImmigrationAnimal protection and human-animal relationshipsBorder security and unlawful immigrationCrimes against animals and natural resourcesImmigration status and procedures

Why This Matters

This bill changes immigration laws to prevent non-citizens who harm law enforcement animals from entering or staying in the country. It emphasizes the importance of protecting these working animals.

If you harm a law enforcement animal, you could be banned from the U.S. and deported.

Affects: Non-citizens who are convicted of harming law enforcement animals.

Summary

Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act or the BOWOW Act This bill establishes that a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) convicted of, or who admits to having committed, an offense related to harming animals used in law enforcement is inadmissible and deportable.

What changes is this bill making?

1. This bill makes it illegal for non-citizens to harm law enforcement animals. 2. Anyone convicted of harming these animals cannot enter the United States. 3. Non-citizens who harm law enforcement animals can be deported. 4. The bill adds specific penalties for harming animals used in police work. 5. It aims to protect animals that assist law enforcement officers.

Who is affected?

Non-citizens who are convicted of harming law enforcement animals.

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