DEWITT, NEW YORK – Standing beside animal advocacy groups and Central New York law enforcement at Dewitt Animal Hospital, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) today unveiled bipartisan legislation he has introduced to protect animals seized under federal animal fighting and gambling statutes.

The Help Extract Animals from Red Tape (HEART) Act, is bipartisan legislation which expedites the disposition of animals seized in federal animal fighting and gambling cases. The measure will reduce the length of time animals are held in shelters and ensure that individuals responsible for harm cover the cost of care, instead of taxpayers.

“During my time as a federal prosecutor in Syracuse, I witnessed many cases involving senseless cruelty to animals and recognized that the system creates lengthy forfeiture cases that leave abused animals in shelters for months – unfairly placing the financial responsibility of care for these animals on CNY taxpayers,” said Rep. John Katko. “The HEART Act expedites the disposition of these animals, reduces the amount of time they are held in shelters, and importantly, shifts the cost of care for animals from the taxpayer to the individual responsible for harming the animal. I am proud this measure has gained the support of my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle and has been included in comprehensive, bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming and improving federal forfeiture laws. I will continue to work here at home alongside our local leaders, law enforcement, and advocacy organizations to address the tolls of animal cruelty and abuse.”

Rep. Katko was joined today in announcing the legislation by representatives from the ASPCA, Cuse Pit Crew, and the Humane Society, as well as the Syracuse Police Department.

Stefanie Heath, Cuse Pit Crew President, said, "Animal abuse continues to be a problem here in Central NY. When Cuse Pit Crew hears about a violent crime committed against a dog, we feel discouraged knowing that the current system does not protect them from being isolated indefinitely in a shelter during court proceedings. We have witnessed first-hand the emotional and physical struggles that abused dogs endure while languishing in the shelter during the often drawn out legal process. Mr. Katko's HEART Act will ensure that these dogs are not re-victimized by the current system. We support the HEART Act and know that it can benefit countless abused dogs not only in Central NY, but throughout the country."

"The ASPCA is grateful to Congressman Katko for his leadership on the HEART Act, which will remove the cumbersome red tape of the legal system that hinders the recovery process for victims of animal fighting," said Richard Patch, vice president of federal affairs for the ASPCA. "We thank Congressman Katko for his work to expedite the disposition of animals held in federal court cases, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation to help speed up the rehabilitation and re-homing of these animals."

Specifically, the HEART Act:

Accelerates the disposition process by reducing from 60 to 30 days the amount of time the government has to notify interested parties following the seizure of animals under the federal animal fighting or gambling statutes

by reducing from 60 to 30 days the amount of time the government has to notify interested parties following the seizure of animals under the federal animal fighting or gambling statutes Requires the court to consider the animals’ welfare as well as the cost to the government when seeking to extend the notice period

as well as the cost to the government when seeking to extend the notice period Requires claimants to reimburse the costs of caring for animals seized in federal animal fighting cases when the government prevails in civil forfeiture proceedings

seized in federal animal fighting cases when the government prevails in civil forfeiture proceedings Gives judges the discretion to allow the consideration of the claimant’s culpability, financial condition, and other factors when requiring and determining reimbursement

Congressman John Katko represents the 24th Congressional District, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and a portion of Oswego County. For more information, please visit https://katko.house.gov or www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.

###