Photo by Mathew Coulton on Unsplash
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act on June 4, 2026. Introduced by Young Kim (R-CA) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD), the legislation is designed to “provide protections for good faith donations of pet food and supplies” to animal shelters.
The BARK Act will protect individuals and companies who donate surplus food, which is safe for consumption, allowing them to help shelters in need rather than throwing the excess away. The act will also cover donated supplies, such as pet crates, carriers, clothing, toys, and pet gates.
“Many animal shelters face food and supply shortages while over a million pounds of useable pet supplies are wasted each year,” Rep. Kim said in a press release issued on June 4, 2026. “The BARK Act will help reduce this waste, supply shelters in need, and feed animals.”
The BARK Act has garnered support from numerous animal welfare organizations, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Best Friends Animal Society, and the Humane World for Animals, formerly the Humane Society of the United States.
Part of the 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Act, the bill now moves to the U.S. Senate.
