Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
During debate, a lawmaker pointed out that it is already illegal to harm law enforcement animals, questoning the need for additional legislation.
A divided U.S. House has approved new legislation targeting attacks on law enforcement animals, GovExec and Fox News reports.
Lawmakers voted 228-190 on Thursday to pass the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act.
The bill would make individuals inadmissible to the United States and subject to deportation if they are convicted of, or admit to, injuring such animals.
15 Democrats in favor
Fifteen Democrats joined Republicans in backing the legislation despite opposition from party leaders.
According to a 2022 Government Accountability Office report, about 5,100 working dogs assist federal agencies, often detecting drugs or explosives.
The vote comes amid ongoing disputes in Washington over immigration enforcement and funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
What started it all
Republican Representative Ken Calvert of California, who introduced the bill in July 2025, said in a statement at the time that the bill was proposed following a then recent assault on a law enforcement dog.
In that incident, a foreign national kicked a Customs and Border Protection detector dog named Freddie after the animal flagged restricted items.
Debate over impact
During floor debate, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin argued existing laws were sufficient. He pointed to the same 2025 case, noting the individual involved had already been deported.
“Freddie got justice. We got a system that actually works there,” Raskin said according to GovExec.
Raskin also warned the bill could affect people who admit wrongdoing without a formal conviction.
Raskins added that he was “unaware of any mad rush of immigrants roaming the country and attacking police animals,” questioning the need for additional legislation on the matter.
Sources: Congressional records, GAO, GovExec, The Hill, Fox News
