In a significant move to strengthen protections for animals across the United States, Attorney General Pam Bondi has unveiled a federal strategy aimed at cracking down on animal cruelty and increasing coordination among key federal enforcement agencies.

The new initiative brings together the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Homeland Security Investigations in what officials describe as a unified, government-wide effort to combat animal cruelty.

The five-part plan includes:

• A one-week Animal Welfare Summit at the DOJ’s National Advocacy Center to train federal prosecutors and agents nationwide on handling and prosecuting animal cruelty cases.

• The formation of a multi-agency Animal Welfare Executive Strategy Committee, chaired by Adam Gustafson of the DOJ’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, to develop and implement a National Strategy for Combatting Animal Welfare Crimes.

• The creation of a specialized law enforcement “Tiger Team” to assist in executing search warrants and conducting seizures in animal welfare investigations.

• Continued use of the federal Asset Forfeiture Fund to cover the evaluation, care, and feeding of animals rescued during investigations.

• Grant funding through the Office of Justice Programs to support animal welfare organizations and state and local law enforcement agencies actively fighting animal cruelty.

According to the Department of Justice, nearly 300 dogs have already been rescued from abusive and neglectful conditions since Bondi took office.

“Animals are part of our families: we will always fight to protect the pets we love,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I have fought against animal abuse my entire career and will never stop working to prosecute the sick individuals who prey upon innocent animals. Since taking office, this Department of Justice has already rescued nearly 300 dogs from horrific circumstances. Our work has only just begun, and this cabinet is committed to a whole of government approach to swiftly ending this horrific behavior.”

In addition, Bondi announced a strengthened partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture to enhance enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. The DOJ will use all available enforcement tools to target the most egregious offenders and remove repeat violators from the industry.

The announcement was made alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, signaling a coordinated federal commitment to holding abusers accountable and protecting vulnerable animals nationwide.