Child and Animal Abuse Detection and Reporting Act

H.R. 712, introduced by Representatives Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Julia Brownley (D-CA), amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to expand the data collected around child abuse cases to include information about animal abuse. To more accurately examine trends in child abuse and neglect, it is critical to pay attention to animal abuse as a risk factor within the family. H.R. 712 would create a better foundation for child abuse screening, prevention, and treatment programs and thus provide substantial benefits to children, families, and pets.