BARK Act of 2025

Key Points

• This bill makes it easier for stores and individuals to donate pet food and supplies to animal shelters. It protects donors from being sued if the items are safe but might not be perfect for a store shelf—like a bag of kibble with a dented corner or a toy that is a surplus item.
• The law covers a wide variety of items, including food, treats, bowls, leashes, and crates. These supplies can be given to help regular pets, service dogs, and emotional support animals. By protecting donors, the bill aims to get these useful items to animals in need instead of throwing them away.
• To get these legal protections, the donation must be made in "good faith," meaning the person honestly believes the items are safe. However, the bill does not protect people who are "grossly negligent" or who intentionally try to hurt animals. If someone knowingly gives out dangerous products, they can still be held responsible.
• Nonprofit groups and local governments that hand out these donations are also protected. This encourages more organizations to start pet food banks because they won't have to worry about legal trouble if a donated item has a minor issue they didn't know about.

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