Trump Launches Federal ‘Strike Force’ on Animal Abuse

The Trump administration has launched an unprecedented multi-agency “strike force” targeting animal abusers with the full weight of federal law enforcement.

Story Highlights

Justice Department, USDA, and HHS coordinating nationwide crackdown on dogfighting, puppy mills, and laboratory abuse
Attorney General Pam Bondi designating specialized prosecutors in every state with enhanced training for animal cruelty cases
USDA targeting the 8% of facilities still violating Animal Welfare Act with immediate shutdowns instead of warnings
HHS under RFK Jr. ending primate imports and transitioning 100,000 laboratory animals to sanctuaries

Trump Cabinet Delivers Coordinated Federal Response

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the strike force during an appearance on “My View with Lara Trump,” declaring federal prosecutors will pursue maximum penalties against animal abusers. The Justice Department will designate specialized U.S. attorneys in every state and provide enhanced training for executing search warrants in complex animal cruelty cases. This represents a significant escalation from previous enforcement efforts that often relied on local authorities with limited resources.

USDA Targets Puppy Mill Operations With Zero Tolerance

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the administration’s commitment to shutting down the remaining 8% of facilities violating the Animal Welfare Act. The USDA has already increased compliance from 65-67% to 92% through stricter enforcement, but Rollins indicated violators will now face immediate closure rather than warnings. This aggressive approach directly addresses the puppy mill industry that profits from animal suffering while deceiving American families seeking healthy pets.

Trump administration launches multi-agency 'strike force' to crack down on animal abuse https://t.co/FnhYRZJTjV #FoxNews

— Eva Mahoney (@evamahoney101) December 21, 2025

HHS Revolutionizes Laboratory Animal Policies

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to end the importation of 20,000 primates annually for laboratory testing and transition existing research animals to sanctuaries. Kennedy argued that animal testing models show “very poor” predictivity for human outcomes, advocating for AI-based alternatives that could improve medical research accuracy. The NIH implemented new policies in September allowing federal funding for primate retirement programs, signaling a fundamental shift in research methodology.

The strike force builds upon Trump’s 2019 signing of the PACT Act, which criminalized interstate animal crushing with penalties up to seven years imprisonment. Recent enforcement victories include the Justice Department’s first-ever conviction for using firearms in dogfighting operations and the seizure of 190 dogs from former NFL player LeShon Johnson. These cases demonstrate the administration’s commitment to treating animal cruelty as serious federal crime deserving maximum prosecution.

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Constitutional Enforcement Protects Traditional Values

The initiative carefully preserves agricultural exemptions established in the PACT Act, ensuring traditional farming practices like livestock slaughter, hunting, and veterinary procedures remain protected. This balanced approach reflects conservative principles of targeted government action that addresses genuine problems without overreach into legitimate industries. The strike force represents effective federal coordination that strengthens rather than undermines constitutional principles by focusing enforcement on clear criminal activity while respecting lawful commerce and traditional practices valued by rural communities.