Legislation reduces barriers of pet food donations to animal shelters

Los Angeles, CA — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) commends the introduction of Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act. This bipartisan legislation provides liability protections for pet suppliers donating food and supplies to animal shelters. The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Fred Upton (MI-06), Lucy McBath (GA-06) and Young Kim (CA-39).

Shelter in need of pet food

“We are no stranger to food shortages,” said Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. “Our community and supporters always pull through with donations for our shelter pets, but the passage of this amendment would make it easier for our corporate partners to assist as well.”

spcaLA is currently in need of cat and dog food (wet/dry), all life stages for the animals in their care. Those interested in donating can visit spcaLA.com/neededitems for a variety of ways to help homeless shelter pets, including in-person drop-off or ship direct options.

The BARK Act amends the bipartisan Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act of 1996 (Emerson Act), which provides criminal and civil liability protections to people and businesses that make good faith donations of food to nonprofits serving needy individuals, to include donations of pet food and supplies to animal shelters. In addition to assisting shelters in need, the BARK Act would also help reduce millions of pounds of pet food from languishing in landfills.