House · HR 4638 · 119th Congress
Federal Working Animal Protection Act
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Summary
This bill makes it harder for non-citizens to enter the U.S. if they have harmed a law enforcement animal like a police dog or horse. It also allows the government to remove non-citizens already in the country for the same offense. The bill applies to people who were convicted or who admit to committing such an act.
In Favor
Law enforcement animals serve and protect communities just like human officers do. This bill closes a gap by treating harm to those animals as a serious immigration concern. Non-citizens who attack police dogs or horses show a willingness to endanger public safety and should face real consequences.
Against
This bill makes harming a police animal a trigger for deportability and inadmissibility, a consequence not attached to many similar offenses against property or even some crimes against people. Federal law already punishes this offense under 18 U.S.C. 1368, so adding immigration removal on top may sweep out long-term residents for a single incident.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill adds harming law enforcement animals to the list of acts that make a non-U.S. national unable to enter or remain in the country. It targets people convicted of, or admitting to, offenses under the existing federal law on harming police and military working animals.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The provisions stay on topic. Every section connects directly to the bill's goal of applying immigration consequences to offenses involving law enforcement animals.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Non-U.S. nationals convicted of, or admitting to, harming law enforcement animals face new barriers to entry or grounds for removal. Immigration courts and agencies gain new duties to apply and enforce these added grounds.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not authorize or appropriate any dollar amount. It shifts work onto immigration agencies and courts to review and apply the new grounds for denial of entry and removal in individual cases.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
Carrying out the bill requires immigration officials to identify and verify qualifying convictions or admissions under the referenced federal law. Cases involving admissions, rather than formal convictions, may create added steps for officials to confirm the required elements.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026