Greyhound Protection Act of 2025
Summary
The Greyhound Protection Act of 2025 aims to amend the Animal Welfare Act to prohibit commercial greyhound racing, live lure training, and open field coursing. It establishes federal prohibitions and penalties for these activities, addressing concerns about animal welfare and interstate commerce. The Act also includes findings related to the decline of greyhound racing and the documented injuries and deaths of racing greyhounds.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would effectively shut down the remaining greyhound racing industry in the United States. It would also criminalize live lure training and open field coursing, impacting related activities and businesses. The amendments to the Animal Welfare Act would be applicable starting October 1, 2027.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced animal cruelty associated with greyhound racing and training.
- Potential savings for states that currently subsidize the greyhound racing industry.
- Alignment with the laws of most states that have already banned greyhound racing.
- Addresses interstate commerce concerns related to animal welfare.
- May lead to increased adoption of retired greyhounds.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential job losses in the greyhound racing industry, primarily in West Virginia.
- Possible economic impact on communities that rely on revenue from greyhound racing.
- Potential for increased illegal gambling on greyhound racing.
- Enforcement costs associated with monitoring and prosecuting violations of the Act.
- Possible challenges to the Act's constitutionality based on federal overreach.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is based on the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The bill cites the use of internet-based wire communications and interstate transport of animals as justification for federal intervention. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and this bill could be argued as an overreach into matters traditionally regulated at the state level. However, the bill explicitly states that it does not preempt state laws protecting animal welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).