The article contrasts two recent developments in U.S. animal welfare: New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s signing of the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, which phases out commercial and biomedical harvesting of horseshoe crabs by 2029, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s December 2025 announcement of a federal initiative to appoint prosecutors focused on enforcing the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). While Hochul’s law directly protects a vulnerable species long exploited for its blue blood, Bondi’s promise to form a strike force targeting dogfighting, puppy mills, and animal testing lacks allocated funding and legislative backing, raising questions about its effectiveness. The AWA notably excludes many animals, including farmed species and the majority used in testing, limiting the scope of enforcement.
Animal welfare advocates like Wayne Pacelle and Kitty Block emphasize the need for dedicated resources and specialized prosecutors to effectively enforce animal cruelty laws, noting that current federal efforts are understaffed and have resulted in few prosecutions over the past decade. Pacelle supports legislation such as the Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act to establish a dedicated DOJ unit, backed by proposed funding in the 2026 appropriations bill, but warns that without proper funding and structural support, enforcement will remain inadequate. Meanwhile, organizations have numerous cases ready for prosecution, particularly involving cockfighting, which has received less attention despite its prevalence. The article underscores the gap between political promises and practical enforcement in advancing animal welfare protections.
