WASHINGTON — Newly proposed legislation would incentivize pet supply companies to donate usable leftover food to animal shelters as the organizations face rising operational costs.

The Bring Animals Relief and Kibble (BARK) Act was proposed by Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Co-Chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, and Rep. Young Kim (CA-40). Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) are introducing companion legislation in the Senate.

The bipartisan legislation could help recover millions of pounds of pet food to help feed shelter animals, and it would make it easier to donate beds, blankets, crates, leashes, toys and more gear for animals in need.

“Every day, viable pet food goes to waste and blankets, crates and other supplies end up in the trash,” said Raskin.

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