The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act, legislation introduced by Reps. Young Kim, R-Calif., and Jamie Raskin, D-Md., as part of the fiscal 2027 Agriculture Appropriations Act.
The BARK Act, introduced in June 2025, aims to address food shortages at animal shelters and reduce the millions of pounds of pet food and supplies discarded in landfills by providing liability protections to businesses that donate food and pet supplies to shelters.
"Many animal shelters face food and supply shortages while over a million pounds of usable pet supplies are wasted each year. The BARK Act will help reduce this waste, supply shelters in need and feed animals," Kim said. "I am happy to see this common-sense legislation pass the House of Representatives."
The Pet Food Institute, which represents U.S. pet food manufacturers, expressed support for the measure.
The bill was inspired by a constituent's concern about waste in local pet stores and is intended to redirect millions of pounds of usable pet food to nonprofit shelters and rescue organizations.
Organizations supporting the BARK Act include: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Humane World Action Fund, Humane World for Animals, Humane World for Animals (formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States) and Best Friends Animal Society.
